Michael Davis
Harvesting mushrooms is a crucial step in the process of growing mushrooms, and it is important to get it right to maximize future yields. The timing of the harvest is key, as mushrooms need to be picked when they have dropped a significant number of spores, which will vary between species. One way to determine the right time to harvest is to observe the veil, a thin membrane on the underside of the mushroom cap that keeps the spores in. When the mushroom is mature, the veil tears, releasing the spores, and the mushroom is ready to be harvested. It is also important to consider the size of the mushrooms, as those with a cap diameter of less than 2 cm should not be picked, while larger mushrooms should have caps larger than 4 cm in diameter. There are different techniques for harvesting, including cutting or pulling out the mushrooms, but the method used depends on the species and personal preference.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom type | Wild, magic, psychedelic, morel |
| Mushroom size | Miniature-sized mushrooms are common in the first flush. |
| Mushroom maturity | Mushrooms should be harvested when mature, just before the veil tears and spores are released. |
| Harvesting technique | Pulling or cutting the mushroom is acceptable. Cutting minimises disturbance and is preferred for easily identified species. |
| Harvesting window | Missing the harvesting window can ruin the whole crop. |
| Harvesting frequency | Multiple flushes are possible by rehydrating the substrate. |
| Mushroom cap | Caps larger than 4cm in diameter for larger mushrooms such as boletes, russulas, horse mushrooms, and parasols. |
| Mushroom veil | A thin membrane on the underside of the cap that keeps the spores in the mushroom. |
| Mushroom gills | Covered by the veil |
| Spore release | Spores are released when the veil tears, allowing the next generation of mushrooms to grow. |
| Potency | Mushrooms produce less psilocybin relative to their total weight as they grow. |
| Equipment | Onion bag to collect mushrooms |
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What You'll Learn
Observe the veil
The veil is a thin layer of tissue that covers and protects the developing spores on the gills or pores located underneath the mushroom's cap. As the mushroom matures, the veil stretches and eventually tears away from the cap, exposing the gills or pores to the environment, which allows for
The veil's presence and characteristics vary significantly among different mushroom species, with some species having a very prominent veil and others lacking one entirely. For those mushrooms that possess a veil, the breaking of the veil is the key indicator for harvesting. The veil is located on the underside of the cap, and it covers the gills. On a juvenile mushroom, veils are fleshy and light-coloured – usually a grey-white. When the time comes for them to tear, they often darken and begin to sag.
The optimal time to harvest mushrooms for quality is when the veil has just broken or is about to break. This stage ensures the mushrooms are mature yet not degraded, maintaining their potency and flavour. Harvesting at this time ensures the mushrooms are at their peak for culinary or other uses, capturing the full flavour and potential biochemical compounds of interest. It is important to note that harvesting before the gills become too exposed can yield higher-quality mushrooms. If harvested too late, the mushrooms may release their spores and begin to deteriorate.
If you are new to mushroom harvesting, it is recommended to wait for the veil to break. However, it is better to harvest the mushrooms just before the veil breaks. This is because psilocybin production starts to decrease in the mushroom after the veil breaks. Therefore, harvesting just before the veil breaks will result in stronger mushrooms.
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Timing is crucial
If you are growing mushrooms indoors, it is undesirable for the spores to be released as this will reduce the number of mushrooms in subsequent growth cycles. Therefore, keeping the cakes spore-free is essential to maximise future yields. It is best to harvest just before the veil tears. When the mushroom is ready to harvest, the veil will often darken and begin to sag. The veil is usually grey-white, but as the mushroom matures, it will change colour.
The size of the mushroom is not always a reliable indicator of maturity, as even in a single colony, there can be a vast range of final sizes. Each mushroom should be treated as an individual, and you should not assume that all mushrooms will grow to the same size. If you are unsure, it is better to harvest too soon than too late. While this may mean you do not get the most out of a single mushroom, it ensures you do not risk losing your entire crop.
When harvesting wild mushrooms, it is recommended to pinch or cut the stem just above the soil, leaving the base of the mushroom in the ground. This method minimises disturbance and prevents the exposed mycelium from drying out.
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Cutting vs pulling
There are two schools of thought among foragers on the best way to harvest mushrooms: cutting or pulling. One school of thought asserts that fruit bodies should be cut off where they join the ground or whatever they are growing from, to avoid damaging the delicate mycelium below. The other school of thought prefers to twist and pull the mushroom from the mycelium, arguing that this stops the residual stump left by cutting from rotting and infecting the mycelium. However, this argument has been refuted as all fungi will eventually rot away if left alone.
Some foragers argue that the method of harvesting mushrooms depends on the species. For example, mycorrhizal fungi, such as chanterelles, ceps, and hedgehog mushrooms, almost always detach cleanly when pulled from their mycelial web, while saprophytic fungi, such as wood blewits, clouded agaric, and shaggy parasols, tend to bring a large clod of mycelium with them when pulled. Therefore, it is recommended to cut saprophytic fungi to minimise disturbance. Additionally, the accurate identification of some species may rely on minute features at and just below ground level, necessitating the uprooting of the entire specimen before covering the exposed mycelium to prevent it from drying out.
While some foragers argue that the method of harvesting mushrooms can affect future yields, others disagree. Some studies, including a 27-year study conducted in Switzerland, have found no significant difference in the abundance of fruiting bodies or species richness between harvested and non-harvested sites, regardless of the harvesting technique used. Additionally, the mycelium will continue to produce mushrooms throughout the fruiting season, even if all the mushrooms are pulled up. However, one study found that pulling mushrooms may be slightly more advantageous than cutting, as it may lead to a larger yield and lower disease transmission potential. Ultimately, the decision to pull or cut mushrooms may come down to personal preference, as long as the area is not heavily harvested year after year, which can deplete the mushroom population over time.
It is worth noting that the debate around pulling or cutting mushrooms may arise from a misunderstanding of fungal anatomy. Unlike plants, fungi are their own kingdom and are more closely related to animals. Uprooting a mushroom does not kill the entire fungus, as the bulk of the fungus remains in the ground, and the mycelium will continue to produce mushrooms. Therefore, it is important to consider the specific species and the long-term sustainability of the mushroom population when deciding whether to pull or cut mushrooms.
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Rehydrating the cake
To rehydrate the cake, start by removing all the mushrooms, even the small ones, and their stumps from the cake, leaving it completely bald. If there is a dry crust or overlay on the cake, use a sterile fork to scrape it off. This helps expose the cake to air and water, facilitating its absorption. Rinse the cake thoroughly under running water before proceeding with rehydration.
There are two common methods for rehydrating the cake: soaking and spraying. For the soaking method, fill a jar halfway with water and place the cake in it to soak for about 12 hours. This technique is especially useful after each flush to initiate a new fruiting phase. The spraying method involves simply misting or spraying water onto the top layer of the cake. This can be done before the first flush if the top layer is not sufficiently moist.
Rehydration should be done with water, but some experimental growers have tried using milk for soaking. It is important not to soak the cake for too long, as it can become slimy. After rehydrating, return the cake to a clean plastic container. With proper rehydration, you can expect to see new pins and mushroom bodies forming on the cakes within 2-7 days, leading to another successful harvest.
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Drying and storing
Dehydration
Dehydrating mushrooms is a common method to preserve them for later use. This can be done by using a food dehydrator, which uses low heat to remove moisture from the mushrooms over several hours. It is important to slice the mushrooms thinly and evenly to ensure they dry properly.
Air-drying
Air-drying is a simple and cost-effective method. It involves spreading the mushrooms out on a tray or hanging them in a warm, dry place with good air circulation. This method can take several days, and it is important to ensure that the mushrooms do not rot or mould during the process.
Oven-drying
For oven-drying, the mushrooms are placed in a preheated oven at a low temperature, such as 140 degrees Fahrenheit, for several hours. It is important to keep the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.
Freezing
Freezing is another option for preserving mushrooms. To do this, the mushrooms should be cleaned, sliced, and placed in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen raw or cooked, and will last for several months.
Storing
Once the mushrooms are dried, they can be stored in airtight containers such as jars or bags. It is important to store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Properly dried and stored mushrooms can last for several months or even years.
It is worth noting that the appearance of the mushrooms does not matter much, but the release of spores does have an impact on potency. Mushrooms produce less psilocybin relative to their total weight as they grow, so harvesting before the veil breaks can ensure better potency per gram.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to harvest mushrooms is just before the veil—a thin membrane on the underside of the cap that holds the spores—tears. The veil darkens and begins to sag before it tears, so this is a good indicator to look out for.
If you don't harvest on time, the spores will be released, which can reduce the number of mushrooms in subsequent growths. Additionally, while the mushroom will continue to grow in size, it will not develop any more psilocybin or psilocin.
There are different methods for harvesting mushrooms, including cutting or pulling them out. Some people recommend cutting the mushrooms to minimise disturbance, while others argue that it makes no difference and is simply a matter of personal preference.
When harvesting wild mushrooms, it is recommended to pinch or cut the stem just above the soil, leaving the base of the mushroom in place. Always use an onion bag to collect the mushrooms and wear proper clothing and boots. Be extremely cautious as many wild mushrooms are poisonous and can be fatal.
To prepare for the next flush, rehydrate your substrate. By doing this, you can get multiple flushes out of your mycelium before the nutrients are spent or contamination occurs.
