Emma Wilson
Mushrooms are typically associated with warm weather, but some varieties thrive in cold temperatures and can be foraged or grown during winter. Foraging for mushrooms in winter may seem like a daunting task, but it can be a rewarding experience, providing a tasty treat or a fun project for those long months. While the cold weather limits the variety of mushrooms available, there are still several species that can be found in the wild, including Chaga, Turkey Tail, Witch's Butter, and Velvet Foot Enoki. For those who prefer to stay indoors, growing mushrooms at home is a viable option, with kits available for purchase online and in stores. These kits offer an easy and fun way to grow mushrooms, providing tasty results with minimal effort. However, it's important to manage humidity and temperature fluctuations to ensure successful growth. So, whether you're braving the cold in search of wild mushrooms or creating your own indoor mushroom garden, there are plenty of ways to fix your winter mushroom cravings!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushrooms that grow in winter | Chaga, Turkey Tail, Witches' Butter, Velvet Foot Enoki, Winter Chanterelle, Snow Oysters, Blue Oysters, Italian Oysters, Shiitake, Nameko, Chestnut, Hemlock Reishi, Oyster Strains, Grey Oyster, Wood Ear |
| Ideal growing conditions | Temperatures between 15 and 24 degrees Celsius, high rainfall, cool and wet conditions, adequate moisture and humidity |
| How to grow mushrooms in winter | Use a grow kit, place it outdoors for 3 days, bring it inside for warmth, maintain humidity, mist 1-several times a day, harvest when they reach the desired size |
| How to dry mushrooms | Slice thinly, place on a tray, process at 110-120°F for 4-8 hours, store in an airtight container |
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What You'll Learn
- Foraging for winter mushrooms: Chaga, Turkey Tail, Witch's Butter, and Velvet Foot Enoki are some mushrooms that grow in winter
- Managing humidity: Mushrooms require humidity to grow, so maintaining humidity is crucial during winter
- Temperature fluctuations: Wide temperature fluctuations can trigger mushroom growth, but central heating may cause dormancy
- Using grow kits: Mushroom grow kits provide an almost perfect indoor temperature for growing mushrooms in winter
- Inoculating logs: Inoculating logs before winter and storing them in a greenhouse or shed can help with mushroom growth
Foraging for winter mushrooms: Chaga, Turkey Tail, Witch's Butter, and Velvet Foot Enoki are some mushrooms that grow in winter
Foraging for mushrooms in the winter can be a fun activity and an excellent way to harvest medicinal mushrooms. Here are some mushrooms that grow in the winter and some tips on how to forage for them:
Chaga Mushrooms
Chaga mushrooms are a prized find for winter mushroom foragers. They grow almost exclusively on birch trees and can be identified by the bulging, charred-looking masses they form on the exterior of the tree. Chaga mushrooms are believed to have a wide range of health benefits and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. They are packed with antioxidants and offer immune support, digestive aid, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, and a natural energy boost. Chaga mushrooms are typically foraged in the middle of winter, when temperatures have been well below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for several weeks, as this is when their nutrient density is at its highest. They can be found across the northern hemisphere, particularly in Russia, northern Europe, Canada, Alaska, and the northern continental United States.
Turkey Tail Mushrooms
Turkey tail mushrooms are indigenous to all continents except Antarctica and have been used medicinally for hundreds of years. They can be found growing in late winter, before they dry out. Turkey tail mushrooms are used to boost immunity and have even been studied for their potential anti-cancer properties. When foraging, look for them in forests, and be sure to give them a quick scrub to remove any grit and dirt before consuming them.
Witch's Butter Mushrooms
Witch's Butter is a bright orange jelly fungus that can be found on decaying wood throughout the year. It is believed to have medicinal properties, particularly for lung-related issues. While it is generally considered edible, there is some debate about whether it is safe to consume raw, as it may cause digestive upset. It is often cooked, boiled, or steamed before consumption and can be added to soups or fried with a breading.
Velvet Foot Enoki Mushrooms
Velvet Foot Enoki mushrooms, also known as wild enoki, are small red/brown mushrooms that grow in clusters from dead wood during the cold season. They are commonly found in full sunlight during late fall or early spring and can even sprout in mid-winter in milder climates. They are known for their fuzzy stems and delicate velvet texture. Wild enoki mushrooms have a similar flavor to cultivated enoki mushrooms but differ in appearance due to their growth in natural conditions. When foraging for wild enoki, exercise caution as there are deadly toxic look-alikes, and positive identification requires a spore print.
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Managing humidity: Mushrooms require humidity to grow, so maintaining humidity is crucial during winter
Mushrooms require humidity to grow, so maintaining humidity is crucial during winter. Humidity is the amount of water vapour that can saturate the air at a given temperature. It is important because it is the mechanism that allows mushrooms to grow and maintain a healthy texture.
The ideal humidity level for growing mushrooms is between 80-90%. If the humidity level is too low, it can cause the mushrooms to dry out and stall their growth. On the other hand, if the humidity level is too high, it can lead to the growth of mould and other harmful microorganisms. Therefore, it is important to maintain the right balance of humidity when growing mushrooms.
There are several ways to control humidity when growing mushrooms:
- Using a misting spray bottle: This method involves spraying the mushrooms and the surrounding area with water to increase humidity levels. It is a cost-effective and simple method, but it may not be sufficient for large-scale mushroom cultivation as it requires manual labour and may not provide consistent humidity levels.
- Using pond misters: Pond misters can be used to increase the humidity levels in the area where the mushrooms are growing.
- Using fans: Fans can help circulate the air and maintain the desired humidity levels.
- Using a greenhouse: A greenhouse can provide a stable environment with controlled humidity and fresh air exchange. It can produce more consistent results while reducing the amount of attention required.
- Constructing a fruiting chamber: A plastic crate or bag with air holes can be used to create a fruiting chamber. After spraying the interior sides of the crate, the attached water droplets will slowly evaporate, increasing the humidity.
It is also important to consider the location of your mushrooms in relation to heat sources. If the warmth is supplied using a heat source that dries the air, maintaining humidity will become an issue. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a location far from the heat source. Additionally, in very cold temperatures, it may be necessary to bring your mushrooms inside to protect them from the elements and ensure their survival through the winter.
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Temperature fluctuations: Wide temperature fluctuations can trigger mushroom growth, but central heating may cause dormancy
Mushrooms are typically associated with warm, damp weather, but some varieties thrive in cold weather and wide temperature fluctuations. In fact, certain species won't sprout until temperatures drop.
If you're growing mushrooms, temperature fluctuations can be beneficial for encouraging growth. However, in the winter, central heating can create a consistently warm environment, which may cause prolonged dormancy in your mushroom kit. To avoid this, you can try moving your mushroom kit outdoors for a few days, and then bringing it back inside. This change in temperature should be enough to trigger growth. Just remember to keep your kit warm while it's dormant, and when you see it pinning, bring it back inside to a humid environment.
If you're foraging for mushrooms, you're more likely to have success in certain regions. For example, in the Pacific Northwest, winter is mild and rainy, creating ideal conditions for fungal growth. Similarly, in California, year-round temperatures rarely drop below freezing, so mushroom growers can cultivate mushrooms outdoors all year. In snowy regions, it's more challenging to find mushrooms, but not impossible. Many species that survive cold temperatures grow from wood or living trees, so you're more likely to find mushrooms on trees than under the snow. A mid-winter thaw or rainfall can also increase your chances of finding mushrooms.
Some specific types of mushrooms to look out for in winter include Chaga, which grows on birch trees and is easier to spot in winter due to the lack of leaves and foliage. Turkey Tail is another option, as it grows year-round. You can often find it in a dormant state during winter, left over from earlier in the season. Witch's Butter is hard to miss, with its bright orange-yellow fruiting bodies standing out against the snow. Lastly, Velvet Foot Enoki is known as "the winter mushroom" due to its ability to thrive in cold weather.
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Using grow kits: Mushroom grow kits provide an almost perfect indoor temperature for growing mushrooms in winter
Mushroom grow kits provide an almost perfect indoor temperature for growing mushrooms in winter. These kits are designed for indoor use and can be placed in areas of your home that have a comfortable temperature for you, which is also suitable for the mushrooms. For example, the Grey Oyster mushroom thrives at temperatures that humans typically find comfortable.
Mushroom grow kits are ideal for beginners and experienced growers alike, as they are easy to use and provide consistent yields. The kits typically include step-by-step instructions, making the process simple and straightforward. Some kits even include educational content for children, making them a great learning tool for families. Moreover, the kits are versatile and can be used in various locations, such as countertops, monotubs, and blocks, catering to different growing preferences.
When using a mushroom grow kit, it's important to maintain the right temperature and humidity levels. While mushrooms can tolerate some temperature fluctuations, extreme temperatures can affect their growth. Central heating, for example, can cause the air to dry out, leading to potential issues with humidity. To mitigate this, choose a location for your grow kit that is away from direct heat sources, such as heating vents or radiators.
Additionally, some mushroom varieties require specific temperature variations to trigger their growth. In this case, you can manipulate the temperature by placing the kit outdoors for a few days and then bringing it back inside. This temperature change can help stimulate the mushrooms' growth cycle.
With the right care and attention, mushroom grow kits can provide a successful indoor mushroom-growing experience during the winter months, allowing you to harvest fresh mushrooms even when outdoor conditions are less than ideal.
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Inoculating logs: Inoculating logs before winter and storing them in a greenhouse or shed can help with mushroom growth
Inoculating Logs for Mushroom Growth
Inoculating logs before winter and storing them in a controlled environment can be an effective way to support mushroom growth. This method is particularly useful for those in snowy regions, as it helps to protect logs from freezing temperatures that can hinder fungal growth.
Firstly, it is important to choose the right wood for inoculation. Logs should be cut specifically for this purpose, with a recommended timeframe of inoculation being within a week or two of cutting. This allows the cells in the tree to die while also preventing the log from drying out or becoming host to competitor fungi. The type of wood will depend on the mushroom variety being grown, but common choices include oak, birch, and chestnut.
Once the logs are prepared, the next step is to drill a series of holes in each log. These holes should be approximately 7/16” in diameter and 1.25” deep, staggered in a diamond pattern to ensure rapid fungal growth. The number of holes can vary, but a good rule of thumb is to have a minimum of 30-40 holes per log, with closer spacing resulting in faster mushroom production at a higher cost.
After drilling, the holes are filled with spawn, which can be in the form of sawdust or plugs. This process should be done about a month before a deep freeze is expected. If you live in an area with mild winters, you may opt to trench your logs instead of drilling holes, by placing them in a dug-out trench and covering them with soil or wood chips.
To support incubation, the inoculated logs can be stored in a greenhouse, shed, or similar structure. This temporary indoor storage helps the logs incubate effectively before being moved back outside. It is important not to keep the logs indoors for more than a month, as they may dry out or develop mould.
Additionally, maintaining proper moisture levels is crucial for successful mushroom growth. Logs should not remain wet on the outside for extended periods, and frequent light watering can be detrimental. Instead, periodic soaking for no more than 24 hours is recommended if the logs appear dry. Stacking the logs in a way that promotes airflow and protects them from drying winter winds is also important.
By following these steps and providing proper care, inoculating logs before winter can be a successful strategy for cultivating mushrooms and enjoying their fruits in the upcoming seasons.
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Frequently asked questions
You can grow mushrooms indoors using a mushroom grow kit, which can be purchased online or from a gardening store. Varieties such as oyster, lion’s mane, and shitake mushrooms are suitable for indoor growth and can be grown in containers or on logs.
Maintain humidity by keeping your mushrooms away from heat sources like central heating and heat pumps. You can also try placing the mushrooms outside for a few days to trigger growth and then bringing them inside once you see pinning.
Chaga, Turkey Tail, Witch's Butter, and Velvet Foot Enoki are some mushrooms that can be foraged during winter. The Grey Oyster mushroom is also a good performer over winter and can tolerate temperatures as low as 8°C.
Mushrooms that survive cold temperatures often grow from wood or living trees. Look for old tree stumps, especially those of deciduous trees like Oak, in older parks or play areas. In New Zealand, you may find Wood Ear growing on native tree species like Lemonwood.
Winter mushroom foraging can be a great reason to get outdoors during the cooler seasons. In addition to mushrooms, you can also forage for other items like lichen, pine needles, bark, berries, winter greens, and edible roots and tubers.
