Emma Wilson
Mushrooms are a fun and exciting crop to grow, and harvesting them is a crucial step in the process. The timing of the harvest is essential to maximizing future yields and getting the most out of your crop. Various factors determine the ideal time to harvest mushrooms, and these factors vary depending on the type of mushroom being grown. For example, the ideal time to harvest oyster mushrooms is when the caps begin to uncurl and flatten, while the timing for wild mushrooms is dictated by the short seasonal window in which they grow. The process of harvesting also differs depending on the type of mushroom and the method of cultivation. In Minecraft, for instance, huge mushrooms can be harvested by using bone meal and placing blocks in a specific arrangement, while wild mushrooms are best harvested by gently pushing the mushroom at the base of the stalk and pulling it up from the forest floor. In addition to timing and technique, sustainability and conservation are important considerations when harvesting mushrooms, as they are the fruit of a larger organism and play a vital role in its reproduction.
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What You'll Learn
Identifying the right time to harvest
Signs of Maturity in Mushrooms
Generally, the caps of mushrooms flatten or become convex, and the gills enlarge and drop spores. The veil, a thin membrane on the underside of the cap that keeps the spores in the mushroom, tears when the mushroom is mature, and the spores are released. Before the veil tears, it often darkens and begins to sag.
Pinning Process
The pinning process involves creating a humid environment to cause little white pins to emerge from the casing. Once these pins start to form, they will quickly grow into mushrooms. With 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.
When to Harvest
The goal is to harvest your mushrooms right before the pin develops into a fruiting body, which happens in a matter of days. By letting the mushrooms become fully fruiting bodies, you risk having the veil break and release spores onto the surface. Therefore, the ideal time to harvest is just before the veil tears.
Oyster Mushrooms
The ideal time to harvest oyster mushrooms is not determined by size but by the shape of their caps. It is best to harvest them when the caps begin to uncurl and flatten but before they become too flat. The edges of the caps should still be slightly curled under when harvested.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms should be picked when the cap is opened approximately 50–75%. At this stage, the gills exposed by the cap edges are still rolled under the cap. Harvesting mature mushrooms with the cap fully opened can lead to a reduced shelf life.
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How to harvest without damaging the crop
There are varying opinions on the best way to harvest mushrooms without damaging the crop. Some sources suggest that the best method is to twist and pull the mushrooms from the mycelium, while others recommend cutting them off with a knife or scissors as close to the substrate block or log as possible.
Those who advocate for cutting believe it causes less damage to the mushroom mycelium and reduces the time spent cleaning your mushrooms as you don't have the dirt and debris attached to the base of a mushroom stem. Cutting is also recommended for mushrooms that grow on trees to avoid damaging the tree. If you want a tree to continue producing mushrooms, damage to the tree may shorten the lifespan of the mushrooms by killing the tree earlier or by weakening its defence system, which can invite infections.
On the other hand, those who prefer pulling or plucking mushrooms argue that it saves energy. Pulling out the entire mushroom signals to the fungus that it's gone, so it can divert its energy to producing more mushrooms. Plucking also helps with identification, as it can be easier to identify certain mushroom species when they are pulled out. Additionally, plucking is generally recommended for most mushrooms growing from the ground, followed by trimming off and discarding the dirty butt end.
It's important to note that the ideal point of harvest varies depending on the mushroom species, and knowing exactly when to harvest them comes with experience. The timing of the harvest is crucial to maximising future flushes and getting the most out of your crop. Observe the veil, the thin membrane on the underside of the cap that keeps the spores in the mushroom. When the mushroom is mature, this veil tears, and the spores are released, ready to grow the next generation of mushrooms.
To store harvested mushrooms, choose a storage container with ventilation and line it with paper towels or newspaper. Place cleaned mushrooms inside and top with more paper. Judge the moisture content and adjust accordingly—if they appear dry, sprinkle a little water on the paper, and if they appear wet, refrain from adding water. Store the mushrooms in a fridge.
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The best techniques for preservation
Mushrooms are perishable and begin to deteriorate soon after they are harvested. The best time to preserve mushrooms is when they are still firm and fresh, before they show signs of ageing. Here are some of the best techniques for preservation:
Refrigeration
Storing fresh mushrooms in the refrigerator is a good option for short-term preservation. Whole, fresh mushrooms can last for up to seven days in the fridge. Lower temperatures help slow down decay and prevent bacteria from forming. Mushrooms should be kept cool, dry, and unwashed. They can be placed in a brown paper bag or wrapped in paper towels and stored in a bowl in the fridge.
Freezing
Freezing is one of the most popular ways to preserve mushrooms, and they can last for up to 12 months in the freezer. Mushrooms can be frozen whole or sliced, raw, blanched, sautéed, or cooked in fat (butter, olive oil, duck fat, etc.). Cooking the mushrooms before freezing helps to maintain their texture and nutrients.
Dehydration
Drying mushrooms is the most practical way of preserving your harvest. Almost any mushroom can be dried and reconstituted, but some mushrooms, like porcini and morels, are better suited to this method as their flavour is concentrated and enhanced. Drying should be done at a low temperature to preserve the mushrooms' nutritional properties.
Pickling
Pickling is a traditional preservation method used mainly in Asia. It is similar to drying but uses salt to draw out the water content. This process produces a lot of waste and may require further processing to remove the saltiness, which can flush out the nutrition and healthy compounds of the mushroom.
Fermentation
Fermenting mushrooms is an exciting and healthy way to preserve them. It preserves the nutritional and health properties of mushrooms while adding pre and pro-biotic qualities. If done correctly, fermentation can preserve mushrooms for over six months.
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Safety precautions to take
Safety precautions are paramount when harvesting mushrooms to ensure not only your safety but also to preserve the local ecosystem. Here are some crucial safety measures to follow:
Timing is Critical
The timing of the harvest is essential to get right. You need to balance letting the mushrooms grow to get a good yield without letting them become too mature. The ideal harvest time varies with each mushroom variety, and it is something you will learn through experience. Generally, the signs of maturity in mushrooms are the caps flattening or becoming convex and the gills enlarging and dropping spores. For oyster mushrooms, in particular, the ideal harvest time is when the caps begin to uncurl and flatten but before they become too flat. For pink oyster mushrooms, harvest when the cap is flat or slightly concave, and the edges are just beginning to curl up.
Careful Observation
Carefully observe the veil of each mushroom to know when to pick it. The general rule is that it is better to harvest too soon than too late. If you harvest too late, you risk ruining the whole crop. The veil is located on the underside of the cap, covering the gills. On juvenile mushrooms, the veils are fleshy and light-coloured, usually grey-white. When it is time for them to tear, they often darken and sag.
Sustainable Harvesting
When harvesting mushrooms, it is essential to do so sustainably and in an ecologically friendly manner. Avoid damaging or killing native plant species. Learn to identify both native and invasive plant species to locate specific mushroom types and avoid harming endangered or threatened species. Carry small baskets to a central location instead of dragging heavy harvests to reduce the impact on the forest floor. Do not litter or leave anything behind.
Cutting Technique
When picking easily identified species, use the cutting technique as it minimises disturbance. Cut mushrooms that grow on trees away from the tree to avoid damaging it. If you want the tree to continue producing mushrooms, damaging it may shorten the lifespan of the mushrooms by killing the tree earlier or weakening its defence system, making it susceptible to infections.
Storage
Once harvested, mushrooms need to be dehydrated and stored in an airtight container with a desiccant packet in a cool, dark place. Direct sunlight can cause even dried mushrooms to lose potency. You can also store harvested mushrooms in the fridge (crisper drawer) for a day or two in a brown paper bag before dehydrating, without significant potency loss.
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How to grow mushrooms in lavaland
Growing mushrooms in Lavaland can be a great way to cultivate a nutritious and low-impact source of protein. Here are the steps to successfully grow mushrooms in Lavaland:
First, it is important to understand the benefits and considerations of growing mushrooms outdoors. Outdoor mushroom cultivation offers advantages such as lower costs, reduced energy requirements, less plastic waste, less contamination, perennial harvests, soil enrichment, and wildlife nourishment. Mushrooms can thrive in shady areas where other vegetables may struggle to grow, making them an excellent choice for optimizing garden space.
Next, select an appropriate location in Lavaland that meets the specific requirements for mushroom growth. Mushrooms require a low-lit environment, as they do not grow in areas with a light level greater than 12. Consider the placement of light sources and aim for a light level of 10, which is dark enough for mushroom growth while still deterring hostile mobs.
Choose the right variety of mushrooms suitable for outdoor growth. Popular edible and medicinal mushrooms that can be grown outdoors include Wine Cap, Shiitake, various Oyster mushrooms, Lion's Mane, Chestnut, Reishi, Nameko, Chicken of the Woods, and more.
Prepare the growing medium by creating mushroom beds, utilizing freshly cut logs, or opting for reusable containers with suitable substrates. If crafting primitive hydroponics trays, you can use sandstone crafted from sand, which can be looted or dug up with a spade. Mushrooms can be grown directly on the ground using materials such as dirt, grass, podzol, mycelium, or nylium, depending on the specific mushroom variety and location.
Plant your mushrooms according to their specific requirements. For instance, red and brown mushrooms can be grown using bone meal, while glowshrooms can be planted directly in Lavaland for a striking visual effect. Ensure you provide adequate space for mushroom growth, as some varieties can grow quite large.
Finally, maintain your mushroom garden by providing sufficient nutrients and moisture, if required by the specific mushroom variety. Harvest your mushrooms regularly, and enjoy the fruits of your labor! Remember to practice sustainable harvesting methods to ensure the long-term viability of your mushroom garden in Lavaland.
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Frequently asked questions
Various plants can be found naturally growing throughout Lavaland, including mushrooms. Here are some general tips for harvesting mushrooms:
- The ideal time to harvest is just before the veil (a thin membrane on the underside of the cap) tears and releases spores.
- If you're growing mushrooms indoors, it's important to keep the cakes spore-free to continue getting a lot of mushroom growth.
- Mushrooms are perishable and begin to deteriorate as soon as they are picked, so it's important to consider sustainability and conservation.
- When harvesting wild mushrooms, gently push the mushroom at the base of the stalk and pull it up. Trim any dirt from the base and clean off as much debris as possible.
Here are some tips for farming mushrooms in Minecraft, which may be applicable to Lavaland:
- Use bone meal to grow huge mushrooms, which yield at least 20 mushrooms when harvested.
- Mushrooms do not grow in areas where the light level is greater than 12, so they must be placed in low-lit indoor rooms.
- To harvest mushrooms, you can use pistons to push them into a water stream.
Here are some types of mushrooms that can be found or grown in Lavaland:
- Mushrooms that contain entropic polypnium (mushroom cap), which is one of the deadliest poisons in the game.
- Glowshrooms, which look sweet when planted on Lavaland.
- Wild mushrooms like porcini, which are seasonal and perishable.
- Oyster mushrooms, which should be harvested when the caps begin to uncurl and flatten.
- Shiitake mushrooms, which can be harvested at any time during their growth.
Here are some techniques for preserving harvested mushrooms:
- Airing
- Drying
- Freezing
- Pickling
- Infusing
