Emma Wilson
Growing psychedelic mushrooms is a rewarding endeavour, but it is a delicate process that demands meticulous attention to detail. The harvesting process is crucial to getting the most out of your crop, and it's important to know how to harvest, dry, and store your mushrooms correctly to preserve their psychoactivity. The mushrooms are ready to harvest when the caps fully open and just before the veil underneath the cap breaks. They should be twisted and pulled gently from the substrate to avoid damaging the underlying mycelium. After harvesting, the mushrooms need to be fully dehydrated and stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Harvesting time | When the caps fully open and just before the veil underneath the cap breaks |
| Harvesting method | Mushrooms should be twisted and pulled gently from the substrate |
| Tools | Clean hands or sterile gloves, sterilized scissors or a sharp knife |
| Drying | Mushrooms should be fully dehydrated until cracker dry |
| Storage | Mushrooms should be stored in an airtight container with a desiccant packet in a cool, dark place |
| Substrate | Rye grain, brown rice flour, vermiculite, coco coir |
| Strains | Oyster, chestnut, pioppino, lion's mane, king oyster |
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When to harvest
Knowing when to harvest psychedelic mushrooms is crucial to getting the most out of your crop. The best time to harvest magic mushrooms is just before the veil—a thin membrane on the underside of the mushroom cap that keeps the spores in—breaks. The veil connects the cap of the mushroom to the stem and covers the gills. When the mushroom matures, the veil will break and uncover the gills.
The timing of the veil-breaking varies depending on the strain, humidity, temperature, and fresh air. It usually occurs between 5 and 12 days after the first mushroom pins pop up from the substrate. The pinning process involves creating a highly humid environment to cause little white pins to emerge from the casing. Once these pins start to form, they will quickly grow into mushrooms.
If you harvest the mushrooms before the veil breaks, you can ensure the best potency per gram while preventing an unsightly and smothering drop of spores. Mushrooms harvested after the spores are released will still be potent, but their cosmetic appeal may be diminished due to the released spores.
To make a spore print or spore syringe, it is essential to harvest the mushrooms before the spores are released. The best time to pick mushrooms for a spore print is when the cap has opened and flattened into an umbrella shape.
Overall, the key to successful mushroom harvesting is timing. By observing the veil and the pinning process, you can maximise the potential of your crop and prevent cosmetic issues caused by released spores.
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How to harvest
Harvesting psychedelic mushrooms is a crucial step in the cultivation process. The right timing is essential for maximising the potency and yield of the mushrooms. If you harvest too early, the mushroom will not have reached its full potential. If you harvest too late, the substrate will be covered in black spores, which can make it harder to get another flush from the same area.
Psychedelic mushrooms are ready to be harvested when the caps are fully open and just before the veil underneath the cap breaks. The veil connects the cap of the mushroom to the stem and covers the gills. When the mushroom matures, the veil will break, and the gills will release spores to enable reproduction. Harvesting before the spores are released is important as the potency of the mushroom will reduce once the spores are released.
To harvest the mushrooms, gently twist and pull them from the substrate to avoid damaging the underlying mycelium, which can produce further flushes of mushrooms. If the mushrooms cannot be twisted off easily, you can use a pair of sterilised scissors or a sharp knife to cut them at the base. Clean hands or sterile gloves are recommended to prevent contamination.
After harvesting, the mushrooms should be fully dehydrated until cracker dry. Proper drying is important to prevent the degradation of the mushrooms' active compounds and to avoid the appearance of mould. Finally, the dried mushrooms should be stored in an airtight container with a desiccant packet in a cool, dark place. For extended storage, you can use a vacuum sealer and place the containers in the refrigerator or freezer to extend the shelf life of the mushrooms.
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Drying methods
Drying psychedelic mushrooms is a crucial step in preserving their potency and preventing spoilage. Here are some detailed drying methods to achieve this:
Pre-drying
Before thoroughly drying your harvest, it is essential to remove excess water from the mushrooms. Pre-drying can be done by placing the mushrooms on cardboard or a dry towel, ensuring they are spread out and not touching. Place them in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight, or in front of a fan. This process can take a few hours, and you'll know it's complete when the mushrooms appear wrinkly and feel rubbery.
Air-drying
Air-drying is the cheapest and easiest way to dry your mushrooms. It ensures a slow and consistent drying process. Place the mushrooms on a wire rack to allow even drying on all sides. If you don't have a wire rack, you can lay them on a clean cloth, but be sure to flip them over every few hours. The ideal conditions for air-drying are a temperature between 60-70°F and humidity between 55-65%. Avoid direct sunlight, as light can cause degradation. The mushrooms are fully dried when the stems snap easily.
Dehydrator
If you're short on time, you can use a food dehydrator. However, this method requires close monitoring. Set your dehydrator to a low temperature, and check your mushrooms after an hour. If they're almost dry, put them back and check again every 10-15 minutes. Note that some mushrooms don't dehydrate well, so they may be better frozen or consumed fresh.
Sun-drying
If you want to dry your mushrooms in the sun, place them on a tray covered with two layers of kitchen paper. Ensure the mushrooms don't touch each other. Cover them with a black or dark-coloured towel to attract more heat and speed up the process. Replace the kitchen paper daily to absorb moisture.
Silica Gel
A professional method used by companies is drying with silica gel. This substance effectively absorbs moisture and is non-toxic, making it safe for drying magic mushrooms.
Salt
Another method involves using salt. Place the mushrooms in a container, put a rack over them, and close the lid. The salt will draw out the moisture, resulting in dried mushrooms.
Remember, the goal is to get your mushrooms bone dry to inhibit mould growth and extend their shelf life. Properly dried and stored psychedelic mushrooms can retain their potency for several months or even years.
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Storage techniques
Proper storage of psychedelic mushrooms is crucial to maintain their freshness, potency, and quality. Incorrect storage can lead to moisture buildup, mould growth, and a significant loss of psychoactive compounds.
For short-term storage, refrigerate fresh mushrooms in an airtight container. Fresh mushrooms are more perishable and will keep for a few days to a couple of months, depending on refrigeration. They will spoil within a few days if not properly refrigerated, and after that, they will start to rot or decompose and may develop mould or bacteria.
For long-term storage, dry the mushrooms thoroughly and store them in a vacuum-sealed bag or desiccant-packed jar. Dried mushrooms can stay potent for a long time, up to several months or a year if properly stored, and can even last for years. Freezing dried mushrooms can also preserve their potency in the long term.
To dry your mushrooms, air drying is the easiest, cheapest, and best way to dry them, ensuring a slow and consistent dry. You can also use a food dehydrator if you’re strapped for time. Drying should take place in a moderately warm space, ideally between 60-70°F, with humidity between 55-65%. Make sure to keep mushrooms out of direct sunlight.
Whether dried or fresh, magic mushrooms should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from heat, UV light, and exposure to air, all of which speed up the process of spoilage. Moisture is another major issue, as it creates the perfect environment for mould and decay. Use airtight containers such as mason jars or vacuum-sealed bags to keep mushrooms dry and prevent mould or bacteria from growing. Desiccant packs, such as silica gel, can be placed inside your storage container to absorb any excess moisture.
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Maintaining potency
Maintaining the potency of psychedelic mushrooms is crucial for a successful psychedelic experience. Here are some detailed instructions to help you preserve the potency of your harvest:
Timing is Everything
Harvesting at the right time is critical for maximising potency and yield. Keep a close eye on your mushrooms, and when the caps are fully open and just before the veil underneath breaks, it's time to harvest. Gently twist and pull the mushrooms from the substrate to avoid damaging the underlying mycelium, which can produce future flushes. If you harvest too late, the mushrooms will release spores, making it more challenging to get another flush.
Dehydration and Storage
After harvesting, the next crucial step is proper dehydration and storage. Fully dehydrate your mushrooms until they are "cracker dry." This process removes moisture, reducing the likelihood of spoilage and microbial growth. Once dry, store your mushrooms in an airtight container with a desiccant packet, such as a silica gel packet, to maintain a dry environment. Vacuum sealing and placing the containers in a refrigerator or freezer can significantly extend the shelf life.
Environmental Conditions
Psychedelic mushrooms like cool, dark environments. Store your containers in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or pantry, and avoid direct sunlight or heat sources. Additionally, label your containers with the dates of acquisition and preparation. This helps you monitor the product's freshness and keep track of its potency over time.
Regular Inspection
Regularly inspect your stored mushrooms for any signs of degradation. Look for discoloration, unusual spots, or the presence of mould. Psychedelic mushrooms are susceptible to contamination and spoilage, so maintaining a clean storage area is essential. A clean environment reduces the risk of contamination and ensures your mushrooms remain potent and safe for consumption.
By following these careful instructions, you can effectively maintain the potency of your psychedelic mushrooms and have a consistent and enjoyable psychedelic experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are ready to be harvested when the partial veil, the membrane that connects the cap to the stem, begins to break down. This is an indicator that the mushroom has reached maturity but has not yet released spores, which can compromise subsequent cleaning and handling, as well as future flushes. The ideal time to harvest is crucial to maximising their potency and quality, as well as ensuring that subsequent fruiting or flushes are successful.
The mushrooms should be twisted and pulled gently from the substrate to avoid damaging the underlying mycelium, which can produce further flushes of mushrooms. Clean hands or sterile gloves are important to prevent contamination. A pair of sterilised scissors or a sharp knife may be used to cut the mushrooms at the base if they cannot be twisted off easily.
After harvesting, the next crucial steps are proper drying and storage. Proper drying removes moisture that could lead to spoilage, while careful storage in appropriate conditions protects the psychoactive properties. Mushrooms should be fully dehydrated until cracker dry and stored in an airtight container with a desiccant packet in a cool, dark place. For extended storage, consider using a vacuum sealer and placing the containers in the refrigerator or freezer.
