Michael Davis
Mushroom cultivation is an exciting hobby that can be done at home. The PF Tek method, created by Robert McPherson, involves creating fruiting cakes from brown rice flour (BRF) and vermiculite. The process begins with mixing brown rice flour, vermiculite, and water to create a substrate, which is then loaded into jars and sterilized to eliminate contaminants. After cooling, the substrate is inoculated with mushroom spores and allowed to colonize. The number of mushrooms that can be grown per BRF cake varies depending on the species and method of cultivation. For example, RyzaPods, an innovative system that simplifies the cultivation process, can yield about 30 grams of mushrooms per pod over the mycelial lifecycle.
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What You'll Learn
BRF cake sterilization
BRF, or brown rice flour, cakes can be sterilized using a few different methods. One common method is steam sterilization, which can be done using a vegetable steamer, a cooking pan, or a baby bottle sterilizer. This method typically involves boiling water in a large pot to a depth of about 2 inches, creating steam that kills any contaminants in the jars. The jars should be covered with tin foil or aluminum foil to prevent water droplets from falling into the jars and altering the ingredient ratios. The sterilization process can take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes, with longer durations yielding better results.
Another method for sterilizing BRF cakes is through pressure cooking. A stovetop pressure cooker is preferred as it can reach 15 PSI, the ideal setting for sterilization. The pressure cooker not only decreases the chance of contamination but also has more applications compared to other methods. When using a pressure cooker, it is important to ensure that the jars do not touch the bottom of the pot to avoid direct contact with the heat source.
While some people opt for manual depressurization after sterilization, others recommend against it and suggest waiting for the pressure to drop naturally, which can take about half an hour. Additionally, it is advised not to wait too long after filling the jars to sterilize them, as it gives any contaminants in the rice flour more time to grow.
Overall, the choice between steam sterilization and pressure cooking depends on individual preferences and equipment availability. Both methods can effectively sterilize BRF cakes, but pressure cooking may offer more fool-proof results and additional applications in the long run.
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Inoculation methods
The first step in the inoculation process is to prepare your jars. Take the lids off the jars and lay them flat, rubber side up. Use a hammer and nail to make 2-4 holes in each lid, evenly spaced around the edge. The holes should be just big enough for the needle of your spore syringe to fit through. Next, put squares of aluminium foil on top of the jars, then screw the lids on over the foil. This will keep any drips from the lid from entering the jar and messing with the moisture content.
Now, prepare your work area. If you have access to a botany lab, a flow hood is the perfect setting for inoculation. If not, you can use a cleaned small room (such as a bathroom), a HEPA flow hood, or a glove box. Make your workspace as sterile as possible to reduce the risk of contamination. If you’re not using a still air box, thoroughly wipe down your work surface and tools with a cloth or paper towel soaked in isopropyl alcohol. Put on a face mask and gloves, and spray your gloves with 70% isopropyl alcohol (better than 90% for sanitization).
Take your spore syringe and shake it to evenly distribute the mycelium. Flame the needle with a butane torch, lighter, or alcohol lamp until it is red hot. Let it cool for a few seconds, then squirt a few drops to the side to cool the needle further before injecting.
Remove the foil from the top of one of your jars. Place the needle into one of the holes in the lid at an angle, so the tip of the needle is against the glass. Gently inject 1/4th of a CC into the jar. Remove the needle and repeat for the other holes. You should use 1CC per jar or 1/4th of a CC per hole. Set the jar aside in your box, then flame-sterilize your needle again before moving on to the next jar.
Once all the jars have been inoculated, put them in an incubation chamber. This can be as simple as two storage bins that work similarly to a double boiler system. Fill one bin about 60% of the way up with water and put an aquarium heater in. The second bin holds the jars and floats on top. Cover the incubation chamber with a folded blanket to keep it in darkness.
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Incubation period
The incubation period for BRF cakes varies depending on the species being grown. It usually lasts for several weeks, during which the spores form mycelium and feed on the nutrients of the substrate, gradually colonizing it to form a mycelial "cake".
To begin the incubation process, the mushroom grain spawn is transferred from the jar to a plastic box, such as a shoebox or monotub. The spawn to bulk ratio should be between 1:1 and 1:4, and you can either layer the spawn and bulk or simply mix them together. Cover the cake with 1/2-1/3 inch (about 1 cm) of bulk substrate, tamp it down slightly, and close the lid of the box, ensuring all air vents are closed.
The incubation conditions for this step are a temperature range of 70-81°F (21-27°C), no light, no fresh air exchange, and no misting. It usually takes 3-10 days, up to 14 days, for the mycelium to colonize the bulk substrate. During this time, the mycelium does not need any air exchange or light.
After the bulk substrate is fully colonized, it's time to prepare the fruiting chamber and provide fruiting conditions. The fruiting chamber should have a high humidity level of 90% to 100%. To create humidity, fill a strainer with perlite, soak it in water for 5 to 10 minutes, drain it, and line the bottom of the chamber with it. This allows the water to slowly evaporate and create the necessary humidity.
The temperature range for the fruiting chamber depends on the species of mushroom being cultivated. If it's too cold, the mushrooms won't fruit, and there may be issues with dehydration. If it's too hot, the environment can become stagnant, and infections may occur.
Misting and fanning are essential daily rituals in the PF Tek BRF Cake guide, providing the necessary moisture and fresh air exchange for optimal growth. Misting should be done 2-3 times per day, and fanning should be done each time after misting, as well as a few additional times throughout the day.
It takes about 3 to 4 days to see the first signs of mycelium growth as white spots, and 3 to 5 weeks for the fungus to fully colonize the substrate, depending on temperature conditions.
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Fruiting chamber conditions
Container and Substrate Preparation:
Use half-pint Mason jars as containers for your BRF cakes. Ensure they are the short and wide type rather than tall and narrow to prevent stalling during colonisation and facilitate easier removal from the fruiting chamber. Drill four holes in the lid of each jar. Prepare your brown rice flour (BRF) substrate by mixing it with vermiculite and water. Load the mixture into the jars, leaving enough space for mycelial growth. Sterilise the jars to eliminate contaminants; steam sterilisation is an option, but pressure cookers significantly reduce the chance of contamination.
Temperature and Humidity Control:
Maintain a temperature range of 65-75°F (21-24°C) within the fruiting chamber. Higher temperatures will slow down the fruiting process. Aim for a relative humidity of 90%-99% RH. You can calibrate an analog meter with a calibration screw by wrapping it in a moistened towel for an hour and then adjusting the calibration screw to read 100%. Condensation on the chamber walls indicates a temperature differential and not necessarily high humidity.
Fresh Air Exchange:
Use a shotgun fruiting chamber (SGFC) with multiple bullet-sized holes drilled on all six sides to ensure adequate fresh air exchange. Mushrooms, like animals, require oxygen and produce carbon dioxide, so proper ventilation is crucial to prevent mushroom deformities. Fan the lid several times a day, especially after misting, to increase air circulation.
Spacing and Lighting:
When placing the cakes in the fruiting chamber, ensure they are adequately spaced to accommodate growth. Avoid direct sunlight, but you can place the chamber in a location that receives a few hours of indirect sunlight daily. 6500K daylight bulbs are ideal for the growth of Psilocybe cubensis and many other edible and medicinal mushrooms.
Dunking and Rolling:
Before placing the cakes in the fruiting chamber, dunk them in water to rehydrate, and then roll them in vermiculite. This "dunk and roll" procedure helps retain moisture and provides a water reservoir for the cakes.
Misting and Primordia Formation:
Mist the sides and lid of the fruiting chamber throughout the day to maintain humidity. Avoid spraying the cakes directly, as this may cause mushroom primordia to stop growing. After misting, fan the chamber to promote air circulation. Keep an eye out for the formation of primordia, which appear as little white bumps that will develop into pins and eventually mature into mushroom fruit bodies.
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Harvesting techniques
BRF cakes usually provide 2 to 3 flushes of mushrooms. After harvesting, dunk the cakes again for 12 to 24 hours to rehydrate them and initiate the pinning of the next flush.
Cleanliness
Maintain cleanliness throughout the process. Before you start, wash and sanitise your hands with alcohol, and consider wearing gloves.
Identify Mature Mushrooms
Look for signs of maturity, such as a flattening or upturning of the cap and a tearing veil.
Gently Grasp the Stem
Handle the mushroom delicately. Grasp the stem close to the cake and, with a gentle yet firm grip, twist the stem counter-clockwise while pulling it upwards. This technique allows you to separate the mushroom from the mycelium network without causing significant damage.
Harvest at the Right Time
Harvesting your mushrooms at the right time is crucial for ensuring their best quality and potency. The ideal moment is just before or as the veil beneath the mushroom cap begins to tear. If you're aiming for maximum potency, harvest after the veil breaks and before the mushroom begins to sporulate. However, if you're after spore prints, wait for the veil to break and harvest at the first sign of spores being deposited on the mushroom.
Spacing
Place the cakes in your fruiting chamber, ensuring adequate spacing to accommodate growth.
Temperature and Air Exchange
Maintain a temperature of around 70-75°F (21-24°C) and ensure good fresh air exchange. A Shot Gun Fruiting Chamber (SGFC) is ideal for maintaining proper conditions for mushroom fruiting due to its multitude of holes.
Lighting
Although not the most critical factor, providing the proper range of relative humidity (RH) for the species you're cultivating will help form your fruiting bodies.
Re-rolling
Some people re-roll their cakes in oven-pasteurised vermiculite after harvesting, but it's unclear if this is necessary.
Contamination
While cakes can handle a small amount of accidental misting, it's important to avoid direct misting onto the cakes. If you notice water beading on the cakes, adjust your humidifier to a lower setting.
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Frequently asked questions
Depending on the species, you can yield about 30 grams of mushrooms per cake.
The PF Tek method, also known as the Brown Rice Flour (BRF) Cake Guide, is a DIY method for growing mushrooms. It involves creating fruiting cakes from brown rice flour, vermiculite, and water.
First, you need to mix brown rice flour, vermiculite, and water to create a substrate. Then, load the mixture into jars and sterilize them to eliminate contaminants. After cooling, inoculate the substrate with mushroom spores and allow it to colonize. Once the cakes are fully colonized, remove them from the jars, dunk them in water, and roll them in vermiculite. Finally, place the cakes in a fruiting chamber with high humidity and fresh air exchange to encourage mushroom fruiting.
A Shot Gun Fruiting Chamber, also known as a Shotgun Fruiting Chamber (SGFC), is a plastic tub with bullet-sized holes drilled on all six sides for fresh air exchange. The bottom is lined with damp perlite to help maintain a humid environment.
It is important to maintain proper humidity and fresh air exchange throughout the process. The temperature range must also be suitable for the species being cultivated, or it may not fruit or may become infected. Additionally, fanning and misting are daily rituals in the PF Tek BRF Cake guide to provide the necessary moisture and fresh air exchange for optimal growth.
