John Miller
Mushrooms are a beautiful part of nature and can be a great addition to your diet. They are packed with nutrients and medicinal properties. There are several types of grey mushrooms, including oyster, hen of the woods or miatake, and the grey knight mushroom. Grey oyster mushrooms, in particular, are one of the most popular varieties for home cultivation due to their ease of growth, resilience, and fast growth. They are also delicious and nutritious, offering a mild, subtly sweet taste with hints of anise. If you're interested in growing your own grey oyster mushrooms, it's important to gather the necessary materials and equipment, such as spawn and growing substrates like straw or hardwood sawdust. With the right care and attention, you can successfully cultivate and enjoy the benefits of these unique fungi.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of gray mushrooms | Oyster, Hen of the Woods or Miátake, Gray Knight, Pleurotus ostreatus, Tricholoma terreum |
| Oyster mushroom characteristics | Fan or kidney-shaped caps, creamy off-white, grey, grey-brown, or brown in color, range from 1-6 inches across, convex when young, gills are white to grayish, flesh is thick and rubbery |
| Tricholoma terreum characteristics | Gray cap, 1.5-3 inches across, convex with a distinct central bump when young, becomes broadly bell-shaped to disc-shaped as it matures, dry or finely scaley when mature |
| Edibility | All three types of gray mushrooms are considered edible, but it is crucial to be certain of the identification before consuming due to potentially toxic look-alikes |
| Mushroom spoilage indicators | Slimy or sticky texture, wrinkled or shriveled, brown spots or discoloration, soft and spongy feel, sour or fishy smell, mold growth |
| Preventing mushroom discoloration during cooking | Sauté mushrooms separately to release moisture, use salt to draw out moisture, avoid crowding the pan to allow moisture to cook off effectively |
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What You'll Learn
How to grow grey oyster mushrooms at home
Grey oyster mushrooms are one of the most popular varieties for home cultivation due to their ease of growth, fast growth, resilience, and forgiving nature. They are also packed with nutrients and medicinal properties. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to grow grey oyster mushrooms at home:
Preparation
First, gather your materials. It is critical to get the best-quality grey oyster mushroom spawn you can find to maximise your chances of success. You will also need a growing container with a lid, such as a bag or a large plastic bag (e.g. a bin bag) without holes in the bottom. Additionally, you will need a spray bottle with clean water.
Incubation
Grey oyster mushrooms prefer cooler temperatures (45-65°F/12-18°C) for optimal fruiting. During incubation, they colonise most rapidly at 68-75°F (20-24°C), making them relatively easy to incubate in most home environments. If your house is cooler, consider using a seedling heat mat or placing the containers in a warmer location. Keep the containers in a dark location to prevent premature pinning and ensure complete colonisation. The growing containers should have filter patches or small holes to allow carbon dioxide to escape and fresh oxygen to enter, ensuring healthy mycelial growth.
Fruiting
Maintain optimal moisture and humidity levels by misting your growing environment twice a day. Spray the container, not the mushrooms directly, to keep it moist and prevent drying out. Provide some indirect or shaded light to help signal to the mycelium that it is time to fruit. Avoid direct sunlight as it can hinder growth and dry out the mushrooms. Oyster mushrooms thrive in oxygen-rich fresh air, so ensure proper air exchange.
Harvesting
Within a few days, you will see tiny 'pin mushrooms' form and grow into full-sized mushrooms in just a few days. Harvest the mushrooms by twisting them off the bag before the edges turn wavy. Avoid tearing them as you may damage the mycelia. The entire process, from incubation to harvest, takes about 3-5 weeks.
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Identifying grey mushrooms
Identifying mushrooms can be a challenging task, and it is important to look beyond colour and size. There are several types of grey mushrooms, and here are some ways to identify them:
Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) typically grow in shelf-like clusters. The caps are fan or kidney-shaped and can be creamy off-white, grey, grey-brown, or brown. The width of the caps ranges from 1-6 inches. The gills are white to greyish and run down the entire underside of the cap. The spore print is white to very pale lilac-grey.
Hen of the Woods
Hen of the woods mushrooms are usually found at the base of oak trees, often in urban settings. They grow in dense clusters with wavy, fan-shaped caps ranging from 1-5 inches in width. The caps are lavender-grey, pale yellow-brown, or light brown-grey, and the underside has tooth-like pores that are off-white to lavender-grey. The spore print is white.
Grey Knight Mushrooms
Grey knight mushrooms (Tricholoma terreum) have grey caps with gills and belong to the Tricholomataceae family. They are distributed across Europe and North America and are mycorrhizal, deriving their nutrients from a mutually beneficial plant-fungi exchange.
Mycena Species
Mycena mushrooms are small with grey caps that have a pleated or striated appearance.
Grey Morel Mushrooms
Grey morel mushrooms are challenging to find in the wild as they are often well-hidden and difficult to spot. They are a good source of protein, fibre, and vitamins B and D, with potential health benefits such as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. However, it is important to correctly identify grey morels, as some species of morels can be poisonous.
When identifying grey mushrooms, it is helpful to examine various characteristics, including the shape, colour, and structure of the cap and gills, as well as the spore print colour. Additionally, take note of the mushroom's habitat, such as whether it is growing on wood, dung, or the ground, and the presence of nearby trees.
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Health benefits of grey mushrooms
While there are many types of grey mushrooms, such as the grey oyster mushroom, the common oyster mushroom, and the Tricholoma terreum, this answer will focus on the health benefits of grey oyster mushrooms.
Grey oyster mushrooms are rich in dietary fibre, which helps prevent constipation and improves intestinal health. They are also very low in calories, making them a good option for those looking to lose weight. In addition, they contain beta-glucans, which are fibres that can be fermented by gut bacteria to produce short-chain fatty acids, reducing cholesterol production in the body. This makes them beneficial for heart health, as they can help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.
Oyster mushrooms are also a source of vitamin D, which is important for maintaining and building strong bones, as well as vitamin B6, which helps the body form red blood cells, proteins, and DNA. They contain anti-inflammatory compounds and may have anti-tumor properties, although more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.
Overall, grey oyster mushrooms offer a range of health benefits, including improved intestinal health, reduced cholesterol production, and a boost of important vitamins and minerals.
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Common contaminants when growing grey mushrooms
Growing mushrooms is a rewarding endeavour, but it is not without its challenges. One of the most significant obstacles is dealing with common contaminants that can ruin your crop. Here are some detailed explanations of the most prevalent contaminants when growing grey mushrooms and strategies to combat them:
Trichoderma
The most common contaminant in mushroom cultivation is Trichoderma, a genus of green mold that preys on other fungal mycelium. It is one of the easiest contaminants to recognize due to its distinct appearance and reputation for being difficult to contain. Trichoderma produces a bright white, fluffy mycelium that rises above the surface of the substrate. This mycelium can be challenging to distinguish from mushroom mycelium in its early stages, but once it produces its spores, it becomes easier to identify. The spores of Trichoderma are typically emerald green or blue-green and may cause a soft rot in mushrooms. To prevent Trichoderma from spreading, immediate removal and disposal of contaminated substrates are necessary, followed by sanitizing the surrounding area and tools.
Aspergillus
Aspergillus is a family of mold commonly found in indoor air, dust, soil, and wood. It is a frequent contaminant of mushroom substrates due to its ability to produce microscopic spores that can travel long distances. Aspergillus mycelium is usually light grey with thread-like growth similar to mushroom mycelium, making it difficult to spot before it produces spore-bearing structures. The sporophores of Aspergillus can vary in shape and colour, including grey, yellow, green, blue, and black, making it challenging to differentiate from other mold species.
Bacterial Contamination
Bacteria are another common source of contamination in mushroom cultivation. The most prevalent type of bacterial contamination is known as "wet spot" or "sour rot," caused by Bacillus spp. It is characterized by a dull grey slime with a sour smell, making the grains appear excessively wet. Bacterial endospores can be heat resistant, so to prevent contamination, grains are typically soaked for 24 hours before sterilization to allow the endospores to germinate and subsequently die during the sterilization process.
Cobweb Mould
Cobweb mould, also known as Neurospora, is a fast-growing fungus that thrives in high humidity. It is distinguished by its wispy, three-dimensional growth above the substrate and its damp basement-like smell. A small patch of cobweb mould can cover an entire tub in just a day or two, hindering or preventing the growth of baby mushrooms. Lowering humidity and increasing air circulation can help limit the potential for cobweb mould contamination. Additionally, early detection is crucial, as it can be effectively treated with a hydrogen peroxide spray that kills the mould without harming the mushroom mycelium.
Pests
Small arthropods, such as mites and fungus gnats, can also be a source of contamination. While most mites are beneficial as they feed on other pests, some can cause damage by feeding on mushroom mycelium and potentially causing surface discolouration. Maintaining strict sanitation and general hygiene practices can help control these pests.
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How to cook grey mushrooms
Grey mushrooms are typically the result of discoloration, which is caused by the release of moisture from the mushrooms during the cooking process. To prevent this, you can cook the mushrooms separately from other ingredients.
Preparation
Firstly, choose your mushrooms. You can use any variety of mushrooms, including white (button), cremini, shiitake, oyster, portobello, or baby bella mushrooms. Clean the mushrooms by gently wiping them with a damp paper towel or a soft brush to remove any dirt. Do not wash the mushrooms, as this can affect their texture and colour. Cut the mushrooms into 1/2-inch-thick slices. If you want to reduce discoloration, you can try cutting out the gills, as this is where most of the discolouration comes from.
Cooking
Use a large skillet or pan for cooking the mushrooms. Heat some olive oil, coconut oil, or butter in the pan over medium to high heat. You can also add some aromatics like garlic, thyme, rosemary, or sage at this stage for extra flavour. Once the oil is hot, add the mushrooms in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the mushrooms to steam instead of brown.
Let the mushrooms cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes, allowing them to brown on one side. Then, stir or spread them back into a single layer to brown the other side. Continue cooking and stirring until the mushrooms are golden brown. If you are using wine or soy sauce, add it now and let it evaporate.
Finally, season the mushrooms with salt and pepper, and any other desired aromatics. If you are using butter, add it at the end, reducing the heat or removing the pan from the heat to prevent overcooking. Stir the mushrooms until the butter melts and coats them.
Storage
Cooked mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. They can also be frozen for up to six months.
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Frequently asked questions
Examples of gray mushrooms include Pleurotus ostreatus, Tricholoma terreum, Oyster, Hen of the Woods or Miátake, and the Gray Knight mushroom.
Pleurotus ostreatus, or the common oyster mushroom, typically grows in shelf-like clusters. The fan or kidney-shaped caps can range in color from creamy off-white to grey-brown, with a width of 1-6 inches across. The gills are white to grayish and closely arranged, and the flesh is thick and rubbery.
Tricholoma terreum can be found along the forest floor near the tree species with which they associate. The gray cap is typically 1.5-3 inches across, and the margins can be finely woolly in young specimens.
To prevent discoloration, try sauteeing the mushrooms by themselves for a couple of minutes to release their moisture before adding other ingredients. Be sure to salt them to draw out moisture, and avoid crowding the pan so that the moisture can cook off effectively.
While not all gray mushrooms are toxic, it is important to be 100% sure of the identification of any wild mushroom before consuming it, as some may have toxic lookalikes or cause negative reactions. If you are new to mushroom hunting and identification, consider joining a mycological club or seeking expert advice.
