Sarah Brown
Shiitake mushrooms are a great source of vitamin D and protein, and can be grown with very little equipment. To harvest them, you should first prepare a shiitake block, an artificial log made of sawdust, bran and water, and introduce it to a fruiting environment when it's at least 75% brown. Once the mushrooms are ready, you can harvest them by twisting and pulling them off the log by hand, or using a knife or scissors to cut them off. To preserve them for longer, you can dry the mushrooms in the sun or in a dehydrator.
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What You'll Learn
When to harvest shiitake mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are typically grown on artificial logs composed of sawdust, bran, and water, known as "blocks" or "fruiting blocks". It takes some time for the mushrooms to grow, but there are several indicators that can help you determine when they are ready to be harvested.
Firstly, the ideal harvest stage is when the gills of the mushrooms are 80% open. To check this, simply feel underneath the cap of the mushroom. If you can feel the gills, it is ready to be picked. If not, it is best to leave it to grow some more. The mushrooms should be picked when the cap is still curled and the partial veil is breaking away, or when the margin of the cap is almost unrolled. This is because mushrooms harvested before the cap margin becomes flat or flipped up have a better texture and store much better. Wide, flattened mushroom caps indicate over-maturity and will not be as valuable. If you are growing your mushrooms in a container, you should expect them to be ready for picking within 7-10 days of placing the block in the container.
When harvesting, it is important to efficiently remove the mushrooms without damaging the bark. Experienced growers often twist and pull the mushrooms off the log using their hands. Alternatively, you can use a curved pair of scissors or a knife to ensure a clean cut on the stem. If you are harvesting from a block, you can cut the mushrooms off with scissors or a knife, or twist them off, although this may result in chunks of sawdust coming off with the mushroom.
After harvesting, the mushrooms should be gently brushed to remove any dirt or debris, without washing them under water. They can then be placed in an open basket, paper sack, or other vented containers. It is recommended to store the mushrooms in a paper bag in the fridge, where they will last for around 7-10 days.
If you have a large number of mushrooms, drying them is a great option to extend their shelf life. The drying process can be done by laying the mushrooms out in the sun or using a dehydrator overnight at around 115–120°F (46–49°C). Once they become slightly crispy, they will be properly dried and will last much longer than fresh mushrooms.
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How to harvest without damaging the bark
When harvesting shiitake mushrooms, it is important to efficiently remove the mushrooms without damaging the bark. Experienced growers simply grasp the lower portion of the stem and pull the mushroom from the log with a slight twisting motion. However, this method may not be suitable for everyone, as it requires a certain level of comfort and expertise. An alternative approach is to use a sharp, clean knife or a curved pair of scissors to cut the mushroom as close to the log surface as possible, ensuring a clean cut on the stem. This method is particularly useful if you want to avoid any potential damage to the bark.
To minimise the risk of bark damage, it is recommended to harvest shiitake mushrooms when they are ready, typically 7 to 10 days after shocking, or forcing fruiting, by soaking the logs in water. Colder temperatures will slow their growth, so it is important to consider the environmental conditions. The ideal time to harvest logs is when the trees are dormant, between the leaves starting to turn colour in the fall and the buds beginning to swell in the spring. This helps prevent the growth of competing fungi and ensures the logs are in good condition.
When harvesting, it is advisable to start from the bottom of the log and work your way up. This approach minimises the accumulation of bark flecks and other debris on the unpicked mushrooms. After harvesting, gently brush off any remaining dirt or debris without washing the mushrooms under water. Place each mushroom into a breathable container like an open basket, paper sack, box, or mesh bag. Avoid using plastic bags as they can accelerate mushroom decomposition. Instead, opt for containers with air vents to promote rapid cooling and prevent bruising.
It is worth noting that shiitake mushrooms can be quite picky about their growing medium, preferring wood-based substrates like logs or blocks of sawdust. When choosing logs, select those with intact bark and coat any defects in wax to minimise potential entry points for other fungi. Logs with thicker bark may require longer soaking times to absorb water effectively. By following these steps and paying close attention to the condition of the bark, you can successfully harvest shiitake mushrooms while minimising any damage to the bark.
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How to store harvested shiitake mushrooms
Fresh shiitake mushrooms should be stored in a paper bag in the refrigerator. They should be used within 7 to 10 days of purchase. If you are unable to use them within this time, you can dry them out in the fridge by laying them out on a cookie sheet. Once the caps are firm, seal them in an airtight container and keep them in a cool, dry place. Stored this way, dried shiitake mushrooms can last for six months to a year.
Another option is to freeze your mushrooms. Before freezing, mushrooms should be treated to stop maturation by steaming or sauteing. To preserve their colour, you can dip them in a solution of 1 pint of water and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice before cooking. Once cooked, place them in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 12 months.
It is important to note that mushrooms will dry out and lose weight the longer they are stored. They should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from strong-smelling food, as they will absorb odours.
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How to dry shiitake mushrooms
Drying shiitake mushrooms is a great way to preserve them for longer. The process is simple and can be done by laying the mushrooms out in direct sunlight or using a dehydrator. Sun-dried shiitake mushrooms have the added benefit of being exposed to vitamin D. Dried shiitake mushrooms are also a great way to add protein to your diet.
To prepare your shiitake mushrooms for drying, you must first harvest them. The ideal time to harvest shiitake mushrooms is when the cap is still slightly curled in or when the partial veil breaks away. You can determine this by feeling underneath the cap to check for gill exposure. If you can feel the gills, the mushroom is ready for harvest. If not, let it grow some more.
When harvesting, it is important to efficiently remove the mushrooms without damaging the bark. Experienced growers often twist and pull the mushrooms off the log using their hands. Alternatively, you can use a curved pair of scissors or a knife to ensure a clean cut on the stem. Gently brush off any dirt or debris, being careful not to wash the mushrooms under water. Place each mushroom into an open basket, paper sack, or other vented containers.
Once you have harvested your shiitake mushrooms, you can begin the drying process. As mentioned, you can opt for sun-drying or use a dehydrator. If you choose to sun-dry your mushrooms, lay them out in direct sunlight until they become slightly crispy like a chip. If you use a dehydrator, set it to around 115–120°F and leave the mushrooms in overnight.
By following these steps, you can successfully dry your shiitake mushrooms and enjoy their flavour and nutritional benefits for longer.
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How to deal with pests
When growing shiitake mushrooms, it is important to be vigilant about pests, as they can decimate your crop. The most common pests are fungi, beetles, flies, slugs, snails, and birds.
Fungi are a significant problem, as they compete with shiitake mushrooms for nutrients and can create conditions that are inhospitable, such as drying out the log. To prevent this, inoculate logs soon after they are cut, to give the shiitake mushrooms the best chance to establish a strong colony before other fungi do.
Beetles can also be an issue, as they may dig under the bark in their larval phase and introduce other fungi. If the bark falls off, the log will dry out, and the shiitake will die. To prevent beetles, cover the logs with mesh to stop them from laying eggs.
Flies, such as the sciarid fly, can destroy a fungus crop, leaving mushrooms brown, leathery, and inedible. To prevent flies, ensure proper sanitation methods are in place, and pasteurize the soil medium before growing a new crop.
Slugs, snails, and birds can also damage your crop. To prevent this, use protective covers such as nets to keep pests away, and inspect the growing area regularly to remove any pests.
Finally, be aware of other pests such as rodents, sow bugs, and bacteria, which can also cause issues. To prevent bacteria, separate new and old blocks, and start your next crop in a clean room.
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Frequently asked questions
The quickest way to tell is to feel underneath the cap to check for gill exposure. If you can feel the gills, they are ready to be picked. The ideal stage to harvest is when the gills are 80% open. The cap should still be curled and not flipped up or pointing upwards.
The goal is to efficiently remove the mushrooms without damaging the bark. Experienced growers simply twist and pull the mushrooms off the log using their hands. Alternatively, you can use a curved pair of scissors or a knife to ensure a clean cut on the stem.
After harvesting, mushrooms should be cooled and kept at around 36°F. Drying your mushrooms will allow them to be stored and used for longer. You can sun-dry your mushrooms or put them in a dehydrator overnight at 115-120°F.
Thrips are tiny insects that feed on mushroom spores. They can be found crawling in the gills before harvest but are not usually a cause for concern. A few light taps on the top of the cap will disturb the thrips so they fall out. Deer may also acquire a taste for shiitake mushrooms, so spraying deer repellent around your yard is recommended.
