Sarah Brown
The yield of mushrooms from a 5-pound bag varies depending on the type of mushroom, the growing conditions, and the flush. For instance, a 5-pound supplemented sawdust fruiting block can yield 2 pounds of King Oyster mushrooms, while a 5-pound grow bag can yield 1.9 to 2.2 pounds of Oyster mushrooms. The first flush of Oyster mushrooms typically yields 60-70% of the total harvest, while the second flush yields an additional 30-40%.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weight of mushrooms per 5-pound bag | 3+ ounces |
| Weight of hydrated and sterilized grain per 5-pound bag | 2.5 pounds |
| Weight of sterilized coir+vermiculite+gypsum substrate per 5-pound bag | 2.5 pounds |
| Weight of mushrooms per bag (kept in a damp basement with minimal ventilation, at temperatures between 11°C (52°F) and 18°C (64°F)) | 1.3-1.8 kg (2.9-4 lb) |
| Weight of mushrooms per bag (in optimal conditions) | 1.9-2.2 kg (4.2-4.8 lb) |
| Weight of mushrooms per 10-11 kg (22-24 lb) bag | 6-7 kg (13-15 lb) |
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What You'll Learn
Oyster mushrooms: 2.9-4 lb per 5 lb bag
Oyster mushrooms are a great variety to grow at home, as they are adaptable to a wide range of nutrient sources and can be grown in a compact space. The yield per bag can vary depending on a number of factors, including the quality of the substrate, spawn rate, and growing conditions.
The average yield per bag of oyster mushrooms can range from 0.5 to 2.5 pounds per flush, with 2 to 4 flushes per bag. This means that the overall yield per bag might range from 0.4 to 4.5 kilograms (0.9 to 10 pounds) per bag.
If you are using a standard grow bag that weighs 10 kg (22 pounds), you can expect to harvest around 2.5 kg (5.5 pounds) of oyster mushrooms after two flushes. This is about 25% of the total weight, and this 25% figure is what most growers refer to when discussing "yield".
However, it is important to note that the weight of the harvest will depend on the weight of the bag, and the quality of the substrate. For example, if your bag weighs 20 lbs, a harvest of 5 lbs of mushrooms is normal. If you are using a poor-quality substrate, such as straw from drought years, you may need to add extra spawn to boost your harvest.
To increase your yield, you can improve the nutritional value of your substrate mix by adding plant-based materials high in nitrogen, such as legume straw, soybean straw, or sugar beet pulp. Additionally, maintaining the right growing conditions is crucial. If you place your bags in a damp basement with minimal ventilation and temperatures between 11°C (52°F) and 18°C (64°F), you can expect to harvest between 1.3 and 1.8 kg (2.9-4 lb) per bag.
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King Oyster mushrooms: 2 lb per 5 lb bag
King Oyster mushrooms are cultivated on the sawdust of broad-leaved trees. They have a stronger flavor than their relative, the oyster mushroom, with hints of shellfish and a creamy finish. Their texture is described as silky soft, with a multifloral nose and a fleshy pulp. They are well-suited for stews and soups, and their pulp holds up well under heat.
When it comes to yield, you can expect to harvest around 2 lb of King Oyster mushrooms from a 5 lb supplemented sawdust fruiting block. This calculation takes into account the weight of the water contained in the fruiting block, which is approximately 3.1 lb. By subtracting this from the total weight of the block, we're left with a substrate dry weight of 1.9 lb. In this case, the biological efficiency (BE) is 105% (2 lb/1.9 lb).
It's important to note that the yield can be influenced by various factors, such as substrate quality, spawn rate, and growing conditions. Additionally, the number of mushrooms per pound can vary, with approximately 5 to 7 mushrooms per pound for King Oyster mushrooms.
To optimize your yield, you can consider supplementing the substrate with nitrogen-rich nutrients like bran, typically wheat bran, or oat bran. This provides the mycelium with a larger nutritional base, resulting in larger and healthier mushrooms. However, it's important to use supplementation carefully, as too much can lead to diminishing returns due to increased probabilities of contamination.
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Yield: 100-200%
Yield is a crucial aspect of mushroom cultivation, and it refers to the amount of fresh mushrooms you can produce with your available resources, such as space, substrate, and other constraints. Maximizing yield is essential for making your mushroom harvest more productive and profitable.
When it comes to achieving a high yield, several factors come into play. Firstly, the type of mushroom you choose to grow can impact your yield. Different mushroom varieties have varying biological efficiencies (BE), which is the ratio of the total weight of fresh mushrooms to the dry weight of the substrate. For example, Blue Oyster mushrooms have a BE of 100-200%, meaning you can expect a yield of 6-12 lbs from a 25 lb straw log or up to 3 lbs from a 5 lb supplemented sawdust fruiting block.
Additionally, the quality and nutrient content of your substrate play a significant role in determining yield. A nutritious substrate can contribute to a higher yield. You can enhance the nutritional value of your substrate by adding plant-based materials high in nitrogen, such as legume straw, soybean straw, or sugar beet pulp. The moisture content of your substrate is also critical; ensuring proper hydration without oversaturation is key to promoting mushroom growth and preventing the death of primordia, pins, or young mushrooms, all of which can reduce your total yield.
Moreover, environmental factors like humidity, air circulation, and light conditions are essential for optimizing yield. For instance, Button mushrooms require high humidity levels of around 80-90% for optimal growth, while Oyster mushrooms need proper air exchange and light to initiate pinning and fruiting.
By understanding and manipulating these factors, you can aim for a yield of 100-200%, which translates to a substantial harvest. However, it's important to note that achieving such a high yield may require multiple flushes, and the specific conditions and constraints of your growing environment will ultimately determine the success of your mushroom cultivation endeavors.
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Spawn: 0.7 lb per 5 lb bag
When it comes to growing mushrooms, spawn is a key component. Spawn refers to the mycelium, the thread-like part of a mushroom, that is used to initiate the mushroom growth process. It serves as the "seed" that, when introduced to the right conditions, will develop into mushrooms.
The amount of spawn required can vary depending on the type of mushroom and the growing conditions. For a 5-pound bag, the amount of spawn needed can range from 0.7 pounds to 2.5 pounds. In this case, we're focusing on the scenario where spawn is 0.7 pounds for a 5-pound bag.
Using the right amount of spawn is crucial for successful mushroom cultivation. Insufficient spawn can result in slower colonization and reduced mushroom yields. On the other hand, using too much spawn may not necessarily yield more mushrooms, especially if your substrate is already nutritious. However, in cases where the substrate quality is poor, additional spawn can help boost the harvest by adding essential nutrients.
To optimize your mushroom yield, it's important to consider not just the amount of spawn but also the growing conditions and the quality of your substrate. Maintaining an optimal microclimate, which includes factors like temperature, moisture, and airflow, is essential for healthy mushroom growth. Additionally, enhancing the nutritional value of your substrate by incorporating plant-based materials high in nitrogen can further improve your harvest.
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Storage: Mushrooms last 5-7 days in the refrigerator
Storing mushrooms can be tricky because of their high water content and sponge-like quality. If stored incorrectly, mushrooms can quickly become slimy and spoil. To keep mushrooms fresh for as long as possible, it is important to maintain air circulation and prevent moisture accumulation.
When storing mushrooms in the refrigerator, it is best to avoid washing them, as this will cause them to go mushy more quickly. Instead, wipe the mushrooms clean with a dry paper towel or dish towel before storing. Then, wrap the mushrooms in dry paper towels and place them in a brown paper bag. The paper bag helps to absorb excess moisture and maintain freshness. If you don't have a paper bag, you can store the mushrooms wrapped in paper towels in an unsealed plastic bag or glass bowl.
It is important to note that mushrooms should be stored on refrigerator shelves, not in the crisper drawer, as they need air circulation to stay fresh. With proper storage, mushrooms will typically last 5-7 days in the refrigerator. However, some varieties, like enoki and oyster mushrooms, have a shorter shelf life and will only last 2-3 days.
Cooked mushrooms have a shorter shelf life than raw mushrooms and will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. To store cooked mushrooms, place them in an airtight container. It is not recommended to freeze raw mushrooms as they become mushy when defrosted. However, if you wish to freeze them, it is best to cook them first by sautéing or blanching, and then store them in an airtight container or plastic bag in the freezer. Frozen mushrooms can last for up to a year.
To maximize the shelf life of mushrooms, it is important to start with the freshest mushrooms. When purchasing, look for firm and evenly colored mushrooms, avoiding those with soft dark spots or a damp appearance.
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