John Miller
Harvesting psilocybin mushrooms is a delicate process that requires careful attention to detail and sterility. The mushrooms are ready to harvest when the veil under the cap starts to tear—usually within a week. The optimal time to harvest is when the caps are still conical and the gills remain covered by the veil. If the mushrooms are left to mature for too long, they will drop a black blanket of spores, which can make it harder to get another flush from the same area. After harvesting, it is crucial to properly dry and store the mushrooms to preserve their quality, potency, and safety. This includes completely dehydrating the mushrooms and storing them in an airtight container with a desiccant packet in a dark, cool place.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Harvesting time | When the veil under the cap starts to tear or break |
| Harvesting time window | Short, especially in the summer or when temperatures rise above 75 degrees |
| Optimal harvesting time | When the mushroom caps are still conical and the gills remain covered by the veil |
| Post-harvest steps | Proper drying and storage |
| Drying method | Complete dehydration |
| Storage method | Store whole, in an airtight sealed container, with a desiccant packet to absorb any remaining moisture, and placed in the dark at room temperature, or in a fridge |
| Storage method for extended periods | Use a vacuum sealer and place the containers in the refrigerator or freezer |
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What You'll Learn
When to harvest
Knowing when to harvest psilocybin mushrooms is crucial to maximising future flushes and getting the most out of your efforts. The mushrooms should be twisted and pulled gently from the substrate to avoid damaging the underlying mycelium, which can produce further flushes of mushrooms.
The best time to harvest psilocybin mushrooms is when the caps are fully open and just before the veil underneath the cap breaks. The veil is located on the underside of the cap and covers the gills. On a juvenile mushroom, veils are fleshy and light-coloured – usually grey-white. When the time comes for them to tear, they often darken and begin to sag. As soon as you see any sign of darkening, it's time to harvest. The veil will drop down the stem once it tears and detach from the underside of the cap, revealing a concave cavity and gills.
Psilocybe mushrooms have the highest potency in their adolescence. At this stage, they will have conical caps and covered gills. The peak of active compound production ends around the time of the tearing veil. Several studies and reports suggest that mushrooms produce less psilocybin relative to the mushroom’s total weight as it grows. This doesn't mean that mushrooms lose potency as they grow, but it does mean they produce less psilocybin and psilocin once the veil tears and spores begin to drop.
To preserve the mushrooms and the active compounds within them, you need to dehydrate your harvests. Fresh mushrooms removed from their mycelium will begin to decay in less than 24 hours. Any amount of water left in the mushroom tissue will activate enzymes that break down psilocybin and can cause your harvest to rot.
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How to harvest
Harvesting psilocybin mushrooms requires careful attention to detail to prevent contamination and maximise future flushes. The mushrooms are ready to harvest when the caps are fully open and just before the veil underneath the cap breaks. The veil is located on the underside of the cap, covering the gills. On a juvenile mushroom, veils are fleshy and light-coloured, usually grey-white. When the time comes for them to tear, they often darken and begin to sag.
To harvest, gently twist and pull the mushrooms from the substrate, being careful not to damage the underlying mycelium, which can produce further flushes of mushrooms. Alternatively, use sterilised scissors or a sharp knife to cut the mushrooms at the base if they cannot be twisted off easily. Clean hands or sterile gloves are important to prevent contamination.
Fresh mushrooms removed from their mycelium will begin to decay in less than 24 hours, so it is important to dehydrate your harvests to preserve the mushrooms and the active compounds within them. Dehydrate the mushrooms until they are cracker dry, then store them in a cool, dark, and dry location.
For extended storage, use a vacuum sealer and place the containers in the refrigerator or freezer. This can significantly extend the shelf life of the dried mushrooms.
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How to dry
Drying psilocybin mushrooms is a crucial step in preserving their potency and preventing mould growth. Here is a detailed guide on how to dry psilocybin mushrooms:
Pre-drying:
Before employing any drying method, it is essential to pre-dry your mushrooms to remove excess water. Pre-drying can be done by spreading the mushrooms on paper towels or clean cloth, ensuring they do not touch each other. You can also place them on a rack or mesh in a single layer to allow for air circulation. Leave them to dry for a few hours, checking periodically. The pre-drying process is complete when the mushrooms appear wrinkly and feel rubbery.
Air Drying:
Air drying is the cheapest and easiest way to dry psilocybin mushrooms. Place the pre-dried mushrooms on a wire rack or a clean cloth, ensuring they are not stacked and have enough space for air circulation. Keep them in a moderately warm, well-ventilated space, ideally between 60-70°F, with humidity between 55-65%. Avoid direct sunlight as it can cause discolouration. Flip the mushrooms every few hours to ensure even drying. The process can take 1-3 days, and the mushrooms should be dry and leathery, easily snapping when bent.
Dehydrator:
A food dehydrator is a good option if you want to dry your mushrooms faster. Spread the pre-dried mushrooms on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they do not touch. Set the dehydrator to a low temperature, around 40°C, and let it run for 4-8 hours. Check the mushrooms every hour, and they are ready when they snap under pressure.
Desiccants:
Using desiccants like silica gel is another effective way to dry psilocybin mushrooms. Place the pre-dried mushrooms in a container with silica gel packets, which will absorb the remaining moisture. This method is cheap and effortless but requires thorough pre-drying.
Storage:
Once your mushrooms are completely dry, proper storage is essential to maintain their potency and prevent mould growth. Use glass jars, airtight containers, or vacuum seal bags to store the mushrooms. Store them in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or pantry. When stored properly, dried psilocybin mushrooms can retain their potency for several months or even years.
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How to store
Proper storage of psilocybin mushrooms is crucial to maintaining their freshness, efficacy, and potency. Here are some detailed guidelines on how to store harvested psilocybin mushrooms:
Drying Mushrooms:
Before storing psilocybin mushrooms, it is essential to dry them thoroughly. Air drying is the cheapest and easiest method, ensuring a slow and consistent drying process. Place the mushrooms in a moderately warm and well-ventilated space, with ideal temperatures between 60-70°F and humidity between 55-65%. Avoid direct sunlight, as light exposure can degrade the potency of psilocybin mushrooms. You can also use a food dehydrator to speed up the drying process, although this option is more expensive.
Short-Term Storage:
For short-term storage, fresh mushrooms can be refrigerated. Wrap them in a paper towel or dishcloth, ensuring they are not packed too tightly, and place them in an airtight container to extend their longevity. However, fresh mushrooms should be consumed within a few days to a week, as they are highly perishable and can quickly develop mold or bacteria.
Long-Term Storage:
For long-term storage, it is best to dry the mushrooms thoroughly before placing them in airtight containers, such as mason jars or bottles. These containers help keep out oxygen and preserve the mushrooms' quality. You can also use vacuum-sealed bags, which reduce oxidation and moisture, further extending the shelf life. Store the mushrooms in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a pantry, to maximize their freshness and efficacy.
Freezing and Other Options:
Freezing dried mushrooms is another effective storage method for long-term preservation. Ensure the mushrooms are completely dry before freezing, and use vacuum-sealed bags to protect them from moisture and freezer burn. Alternatively, you can create blue honey by grinding the mushrooms finely and mixing them with honey, which preserves the mushrooms indefinitely and creates a psychedelic treat.
Storage Considerations:
Proper storage conditions are essential to maintaining the potency and safety of psilocybin mushrooms. Avoid exposure to moisture, heat, light, and high humidity, as these factors promote mold growth and reduce the effectiveness of the mushrooms' active compounds. Keep the storage area clean and free from contaminants, and minimize the frequency of opening containers to prevent degradation. Additionally, always keep a record of both your mushroom harvest dates and storage dates to ensure optimal potency and safety.
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Legality
The legality of harvesting psilocybin mushrooms varies depending on your location. In the United States, federal law and most states classify psilocybin as a Schedule I drug, making it illegal to possess, sell, or grow. However, there are some exceptions and ongoing changes to the legislation.
Colorado is the only state where the personal use and private cultivation of small amounts of psilocybin mushrooms by adults aged 21 and older are legal, with certain restrictions. The state is developing a regulatory system to allow consumer access to these mushrooms.
Oregon has also made strides towards legalisation. In 2022-23, it became legal for clients aged 21 and older to buy, possess, and consume psilocybin in supervised settings at licensed "psilocybin service centres", with the Oregon Health Authority overseeing these services and provider licenses. Additionally, some cities in Oregon have deprioritised the enforcement of drug laws prohibiting psilocybin mushrooms, although these are policy changes rather than amendments to the drug laws themselves.
While the spores of magic mushrooms do not contain psilocybin and are therefore legal to possess and purchase, once the mushrooms are grown, they are considered illegal by federal law and in most states. However, due to the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin in treating mental illnesses, some states allow limited access through clinical trials or facilitators.
It is important to note that the legality of psilocybin mushrooms is subject to change and may vary even within a state. It is advisable to consult official government sources and legal professionals for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the legality of possessing, cultivating, or consuming psilocybin mushrooms in your specific location.
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Frequently asked questions
The mushrooms are ready to harvest when the caps are fully open and just before the veil underneath the cap breaks. The veil is located on the underside of the cap and covers the gills. On a juvenile mushroom, veils are fleshy and light-coloured—usually grey-white. When the time comes for them to tear, they often darken and begin to sag.
Mushrooms should be twisted and pulled gently from the substrate to avoid damaging the underlying mycelium. 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.
Fresh mushrooms removed from their mycelium will begin decaying in less than 24 hours. To preserve the mushrooms and the active compounds within them, you need to dehydrate your harvests. You can then store them in an airtight container with a desiccant packet in a cool, dark place.
