Sarah Brown
Harvesting mushrooms is a crucial step in the cultivation process, and the technique used depends on the variety of mushroom and the desired outcome. The most common methods are cutting and pulling, with some varieties requiring specific techniques. For example, oyster mushrooms are typically harvested when the caps begin to uncurl and flatten, while shiitake mushrooms are harvested when the edges of the caps are still curled under and 80% of the gills are exposed. The timing of the harvest is also important, as it determines the potency and yield of the mushrooms. Harvesting too late can result in a loss of potency and a lower yield, while harvesting too early can impact the size and weight of the mushrooms.
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What You'll Learn
Harvesting magic mushrooms
The ideal time to harvest is just before the veil—the thin membrane on the underside of the cap that keeps the spores in the mushroom—tears. The veil is usually fleshy and light-coloured, perhaps grey-white, in juvenile mushrooms. When the mushroom matures, the veil tears and spores are released, ready to grow the next generation of mushrooms. If you are growing mushrooms indoors, this process is undesirable as the spores will get onto the mycelium cake, which will then produce far fewer mushrooms in the next batch.
It is also important to note that once the veil drops, the mushroom may continue to grow in size but will not develop any more psilocybin or psilocin. Therefore, if you want more potent mushrooms, harvest them just after the veil breaks. If you are after sheer size and weight, you can let them mature completely, but it is still recommended to harvest before the spores are released, as once this happens, the mushroom begins to die.
In terms of technique, some people opt for the grab, twist and pull method, which can be done as each mushroom is ready, and there is no need to harvest all at once. Cutting can be more precise but severs the cell walls, exposing life sugars to bacteria and other fungi. However, some people find cutting more convenient, especially when picking easily identified species, as it minimises disturbance.
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Cutting vs. pulling
When it comes to harvesting mushrooms, there are two popular methods: cutting and pulling. While some people prefer one method over the other, the choice between cutting and pulling mushrooms depends on the situation and the specific mushroom species being harvested. Here are some considerations for both methods:
Cutting
The cutting method involves using a sharp tool, such as a knife or scalpel, to carefully cut the mushrooms from their substrate without damaging the surrounding area. This technique is often used when harvesting easily identifiable mushroom species, as it minimises disturbance to the immediate environment. Cutting is also preferred by some growers when expecting multiple flushes, as it is considered a clean and quick way to harvest. Additionally, cutting can help prevent the release of spores, which is desirable when growing mushrooms indoors.
Pulling
The pulling method, also known as plucking, involves grabbing the mushroom and gently twisting and pulling it to remove it from the substrate. This technique is favoured by those who wish to avoid cutting, as it does not sever the cell walls of the mushrooms. Tearing the mushrooms during pulling leaves the cells intact, allowing for new growth without interruption. However, pulling can sometimes cause Trich, a fungal issue, but this can be mitigated by allowing the colony to recover for 24 to 48 hours before applying any new moisture.
Species-Specific Considerations
The method of harvesting may also depend on the specific mushroom species. For example, oyster mushrooms are typically harvested when the caps begin to uncurl and flatten, but before they become too flat. On the other hand, shiitake mushrooms can be harvested at any time during their growth, and an easy indicator is to check if the partial veil has broken, exposing the gills. For wild mushrooms, the cutting method may be necessary for accurate identification, especially for species that rely on minute identification features at and below ground level.
In conclusion, both cutting and pulling have their advantages and considerations. While some growers prefer one method over the other, the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, the specific mushroom species, and the desired outcome.
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Observing the veil
The veil plays a critical role in mushroom development and is a key indicator for cultivators to determine the optimal harvest time. For culinary and commercial purposes, mushrooms are often harvested just before or as the veil breaks, as this stage ensures the mushrooms are mature yet haven't begun to degrade, optimising both yield and culinary value. Harvesting before the veil tears also prevents spores from being released onto the mycelium cake, ensuring subsequent mushroom growth.
The veil's characteristics can vary among different mushroom species, with some having a prominent veil and others lacking one entirely. Therefore, understanding the nuances of veil development across species is essential for effective mushroom cultivation.
When observing the veil, look for signs of darkening or sagging, which indicate that the mushroom is mature and ready for harvest. On juvenile mushrooms, the veil is typically fleshy and light-coloured, ranging from grey to white. As the mushroom matures, the veil may darken and sag before tearing, signalling the optimal harvest time.
Some cultivators prefer to harvest mushrooms by grabbing, twisting, and pulling them, rather than cutting, as cutting severs cell walls, exposing the mushroom to bacteria and other fungi. However, twisting and pulling can sometimes cause tearing, so it is important to let the colony recover for 24-48 hours before applying new moisture.
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Timing is crucial
The best way to determine the ideal time to harvest is 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 and the spores are released. When the veil breaks, the mushroom may continue to grow in size but will not develop any more psilocybin or psilocin. The veil is usually fleshy and light-coloured (greyish-white) on juvenile mushrooms, and it darkens and begins to sag as the mushroom matures.
It's important to treat each mushroom as an individual, as there can be a vast range of final sizes within a single colony. Until you gain some experience, it's recommended to harvest mushrooms while the veils are still light-coloured. As soon as you notice any darkening, it's time to harvest.
The ideal point of harvest differs for each mushroom variety and is something that can be learned through experience. For instance, the ideal time to harvest oyster mushrooms is when the caps begin to uncurl and flatten but before they become too flat. On the other hand, pink oyster mushrooms should be harvested before the caps start to flatten, especially if they're already a good size. The younger the pink oyster mushrooms, the more tender and succulent they'll be.
Some people prefer to wait until the caps are fully open, as this adds to the harvest weight and may increase the potency of the overall harvest. However, this approach carries the risk of ruining the whole grow if the mushrooms are left for too long.
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Oyster mushroom specifics
Oyster mushrooms, or Pleurotus ostreatus, will have thousands of different strains or expressions of their genetic makeup. They require a lot more fresh air than cubes; otherwise, they develop thin stems with very small caps, which are useless as only the cap is eaten. A general rule is to exchange all the air in the room every five to ten minutes. Oysters are easy but will make spores prolifically if you miss harvesting them at the optimal time.
Oyster mushrooms grow very well on straw and are the best species to grow on this substrate. Straw is a very common substrate for home and beginning commercial growers. It does not produce the best yield and can be difficult to work with as it needs to be chopped for optimal yield. However, there are pre-treated and chopped bags of straw available at local stores and online, which can be used successfully.
For initiation of oyster mushrooms, bags can be cut corner to corner on the broad side of the bag. Bags can then be laid down so the fruiting is on top, or the fruiting can happen on the side. Second flushes will happen from the same cut. Be sure when harvesting to remove all mushroom material.
When it comes to harvesting, some people fill up the tub with water so that the sub floats to the top. Then, using a knife, they harvest as close to the sub as possible. Another method is to simply grab, twist, and pull, harvesting them as they are ready. There is no need to harvest all at once. It is also possible to cut them, but this severs the cell walls, exposing life sugars to bacteria, viruses, and other fungi, causing an immune response that takes time and energy.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal time to harvest mushrooms is just before the veil tears and the spores are released. The veil is the thin membrane on the underside of the cap. Once the veil tears, the mushroom will start to die.
On a juvenile mushroom, veils are usually grey-white and fleshy. When they begin to mature, they darken and sag. Harvest the mushroom as soon as you see these signs.
The cutting method is recommended when picking easily identified species as it minimises disturbance. However, some prefer the grab, twist and pull method.
The ideal time to harvest oyster mushrooms is when the caps begin to uncurl and flatten but before they become too flat.
The ideal time to harvest pink oyster mushrooms is when the caps are flat or slightly concave, and the edges are just beginning to curl up.
