Sarah Brown
Harvesting cube mushrooms, or Psilocybe cubensis, is a time-sensitive process. To yield a bountiful harvest, cultivators must create a highly humid environment, mist the mushroom bed, and provide the right amount of light. The pinning process involves creating a humid environment for little white pins to emerge from the casing. Once these pins start to form, they quickly develop into mushrooms. The goal is to harvest the mushrooms before the pin develops into a fruiting body, which happens within 72 hours or three days. After harvesting, cultivators may dehydrate the mushrooms and store them in airtight containers to preserve their potency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushroom, shroom, golden halo, golden teacher, cube, gold cap, gold top, golden top, sacred mushroom, blue mushroom, San Ysidro mushroom, Palenque mushroom |
| Scientific name | Psilocybe cubensis |
| Ease of cultivation | Easy |
| Cultivation environment | Indoors |
| Cultivation steps | Inoculate spores within sterilized jars or bags with a carbohydrate nutrient like rye grains; after a month, the spores will fully colonize the grain spawn, forming dense mycelium; plant this in a bulk substrate like coconut husk fiber and vermiculite; maintain proper humidity, temperature, and fresh air exchange |
| Harvesting time | A few days after the pinning process, i.e., when little white pins emerge from the casing |
| Ideal harvest | Right before the pin develops into a fruiting body |
| Dehydration temperature | 130°F |
| Dehydration time | Overnight |
| Storage | Airtight containers, cool, dark, dry place |
| Potency | Higher in mushrooms grown in the dark than those grown in bright, indirect light |
| Potency variation | Varies per flush (harvest); typically higher in the fourth flush |
| Minimum dose | 1 gram dried for a modest psychedelic effect |
| Legal requirements for sale in Europe | Cap diameter greater than 4cm |
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What You'll Learn
Knowing the precise time to pick them
Knowing the precise time to harvest your mushrooms is crucial. The ideal harvest time varies depending on the mushroom species, and you will learn to identify the right time through experience. Generally, the signs of maturity in mushrooms are the caps becoming flattened or convex, and the gills enlarging and releasing spores.
For oyster mushrooms, the ideal harvest time is not determined by size but by the shape of their caps. The edges of the caps of the largest mushrooms in the cluster should start to uncurl and flatten out. For pink oyster mushrooms, in particular, the ideal harvest time is when the cap is flat or slightly concave, and the edges are just beginning to curl up. This can be as early as 4 to 5 days after the mushroom pins start to form.
For shiitake mushrooms, the ideal stage to harvest is when the edges of the caps are still curled under, and 80% of the gills are exposed. However, shiitake mushrooms can be harvested at any time during their growth, regardless of size.
When harvesting magic mushrooms, it is important to observe the veil, a thin membrane on the underside of the cap that keeps the spores in the mushroom. The right time to harvest is just before the veil tears, as this is when the active compound production is at its peak. If you wait too long, the mushroom will release spores, reducing its potency. Additionally, the mushroom will start to dry out and its texture may not be as good. Therefore, it is better to harvest magic mushrooms too soon rather than too late.
To harvest the mushrooms, gently pull or twist them away, cutting them as close to the cake as possible to avoid damaging the substrate. Remember to keep things sterile by washing your hands and wearing gloves and a face mask to prevent contamination.
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How to create the right environment
Creating the right environment is crucial for successfully cultivating mushrooms. Mushrooms thrive in specific conditions, and by replicating their natural habitat, you can promote healthy mushroom growth. Here are the key factors to consider when setting up your mushroom cultivation environment:
Location and Space
Choose a location that can be easily controlled in terms of temperature, humidity, light, and ventilation. Basements, garages, spare rooms, or large closets are ideal as they tend to be cool, dark, and well-ventilated. Additionally, select a space that can comfortably accommodate all your equipment and supplies. If you have limited space, consider installing shelves to maximize your area.
Temperature Control
Maintain optimal temperatures for mushroom growth. Most mushrooms grow best between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, away from direct heat and drafts. Enoki mushrooms prefer cooler temperatures of around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Utilize heaters, air conditioners, or climate control systems to manage the temperature effectively.
Humidity and Ventilation
Mushrooms require high humidity, but overwatering can lead to issues like mould or rot. Use a spray bottle or a misting system to maintain humidity levels, and monitor moisture levels to avoid excessive saturation. Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent stagnant air, which can promote mould and bacterial growth. Install fans or ventilation systems to ensure a constant supply of fresh air and maintain proper carbon dioxide levels.
Lighting
While mushrooms have minimal light requirements, they benefit from light during certain growth stages. Set up a source of indirect light, such as a window or a low-intensity LED grow light. Low to moderate light levels help trigger the formation of young mushrooms and support their healthy development. Ensure even light distribution to prevent uneven growth.
Cleanliness and Sterilization
Cleanliness is essential to prevent contamination. Regularly clean and sterilize all surfaces, tools, containers, and your hands when handling mushrooms. Sterile equipment and protective gear, such as gloves and face masks, are crucial for maintaining a sterile environment and preventing contamination.
By carefully controlling these environmental factors, you can create the ideal conditions for cultivating a healthy and productive crop of mushrooms.
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The pinning process
To initiate the pinning process, it is essential to maintain high humidity levels. This can be achieved by misting the mushroom bed frequently but cautiously to avoid overwatering. The environment must also be carefully crafted to provide the necessary light conditions for healthy mushroom growth.
During the pinning process, the pins will start to form and develop into stems with caps. This transformation occurs rapidly, and cultivators must closely monitor their progress. The goal is to harvest the mushrooms just before the pins mature into fruiting bodies, as this ensures the desired aesthetic qualities and potency of the mushrooms.
The timing of the harvest is crucial. Del Potter, PhD, CSO of Leef Labs and AYA Biosciences, advises that once the pins start to form, cultivators have approximately 72 hours or three days before the pins fully develop into fruiting bodies. Therefore, regular observation is necessary to identify the optimal harvest time.
To prepare for the next flush, it is essential to rehydrate the substrate after harvesting. This can be done by soaking the monotub cakes in water for a few hours while misting the surface to maintain moisture. Cultivators can then induce fruiting conditions again by cracking or flipping the lid, ensuring proper humidity and moisture levels.
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How to dry and store them
Drying and storing your magic mushrooms is key to extending their shelf life and preserving their flavour and potency. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do so:
Drying
Firstly, it is important to note that mushrooms should be harvested right before the veil tears away from the cap. This piece of the mushroom's anatomy serves to cover the spore-bearing gills. As soon as this occurs, it's time to pluck and pre-dry your mushrooms. Pre-drying is a method of removing excess water from your harvest before thoroughly drying them out.
There are several ways to dry your mushrooms:
- Air drying: This is the cheapest and easiest way to dry mushrooms. However, it is unreliable in humid environments and may not always result in bone-dry mushrooms.
- Dehydrators: Dehydrators use a gentle heat source and constant airflow to gradually and evenly remove moisture. This method provides more consistent results than air drying.
- Desiccants: Buying or making your own desiccant is another effortless way to sap any lingering moisture from your mushrooms. Ensure that you have pre-dried your mushrooms before using a desiccant.
- Fan or heat fan: Placing the mushrooms under the airflow of a fan or heat fan can significantly speed up the drying process.
Storing
Once your mushrooms are dried, they can be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry, and dark place. Glass jars or vacuum-sealed bags work well for this purpose. Ensure all the air is removed or use a desiccant pack in the container to prevent moisture from re-entering and spoiling the mushrooms.
Dried mushrooms can last for months or even years if stored correctly. However, it is recommended to consume them as soon as possible, as the potency will lessen over time.
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Cutting vs pulling
When it comes to harvesting mushrooms, there are two main schools of thought: cutting and pulling. Some foragers argue that fruit bodies should be cut off where they join the ground or their growing medium to avoid damaging the delicate mycelium. Others prefer to twist and pull the mushroom from the mycelium, believing that this prevents the residual stump from rotting and infecting the mycelium.
Proponents of cutting argue that this method minimises disturbance to the mushroom patch and makes it easier to identify certain species accurately, as it allows for the examination of minute identification features at and just below ground level. On the other hand, those who favour pulling highlight that mycorrhizal fungi, such as chanterelles, ceps, and hedgehog mushrooms, typically detach cleanly when pulled, while saprophytic fungi, like wood blewits and shaggy parasols, often come away with a large clod of mycelium. They also contend that pulling may provide a slightly larger yield and reduce the risk of disease transmission compared to cutting.
While the debate between cutting and pulling can get quite heated, multiple studies, including a 35-year German study, have concluded that the method of harvesting has little to no impact on the fungus or future yields. The key factors influencing fungi are weather and environmental conditions, and it is important to avoid over-harvesting in any given area to ensure the continuation of new generations.
Regardless of whether you choose to cut or pull your mushrooms, the timing of your harvest is crucial. For Psilocybe cubensis, the most popular and easiest type of magic mushroom to grow, you have just a few days after the pinning process to harvest. The pinning process involves creating a highly humid environment, causing little white pins to emerge from the casing. The goal is to harvest right before the pins develop into fruiting bodies, as mature mushrooms with flattened caps may release spores that leave an oily black residue.
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Frequently asked questions
Knowing the precise time to pick them. The pinning process entails creating a humid environment for little white pins to emerge from the casing. Once these pins start to form, they’ll quickly grow into mushrooms. The goal is to harvest your mushrooms right before the pin develops into a fruiting body, which happens in a matter of days.
It doesn't mean your batch is worthless. Mushrooms harvested late will still retain the active principle (i.e. the psilocybin that bestows the psychedelic experience upon us). However, if the spores are released, you run the risk of having your mushrooms tarnished with a dark black and oily residue.
To preserve potency after harvesting, growers often dehydrate the fruit and store them in airtight containers in cool, dark, and dry environments.
Ace mushroom hunter Euan recommends the cutting method when picking easily identified species as it minimises disturbance.
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