Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are versatile fungi that can be used in a variety of dishes, providing an earthy flavour and interesting texture. They can also be consumed for their hallucinogenic effects, with some people using them recreationally and others exploring their therapeutic benefits. When cooking with mushrooms, it's important to know how much to buy and use, especially when substituting one type of mushroom for another. This is also crucial when consuming mushrooms for their psychoactive properties, as the effects can vary depending on the type and amount consumed. This guide will explore the different ways to measure mushrooms, whether for culinary or recreational purposes, and provide tips for a safe and enjoyable experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Forms | Whole, sliced, chopped, dried, canned, powdered, cooked, brewed into tea, fresh |
| Weight | Depends on whether the mushrooms are wet or dried |
| Dose | 0.5-2.0g is a low dose, 2-4g is considered a full dose, anything above is a "heroic dose" |
| Effects | Perceptual changes, visual and auditory hallucinations, boost in mood or energy |
| Trip duration | Approximately 4-6 hours |
| Onset time | 30 minutes when eaten, 5-10 minutes when taken as soup or tea |
| Environment | Calm, quiet, relaxed |
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What You'll Learn
Weighing magic mushrooms
- Identify the substance: Before measuring, it is crucial to identify exactly what substance you have. At Zamnesia, for example, you can purchase kits to test for LSD, psilocybin, psilocin, and other substances. Only after you know what you have and its purity can you proceed with weighing and dosing.
- Choose an appropriate scale: For magic mushrooms, a milligram scale is highly recommended. While some cannabis scales can measure down to a tenth or hundredth of a gram, they are not accurate enough for substances like magic mushrooms. The CT-250 Digital Scale by On Balance is an example of a milligram scale suitable for this purpose.
- Prepare your workspace: Find an undisturbed space with minimal air movement, as milligram scales are very sensitive. Set your scale on a flat and level surface and turn it on.
- Calibrate the scale: To achieve the most accurate results, calibrate your scale following the instructions provided. Many good-quality scales, such as the CT-250, come with calibration weights included. Place the weights on the tray and calibrate accordingly.
- Zero the scale: After calibration, place the tray back on the weighing surface and press the "Tare" or "Zero" button. This step ensures that the scale does not include the weight of the tray in its measurements.
- Weigh the mushrooms: With your scale properly calibrated and zeroed, you can now place your magic mushrooms on the tray to get an accurate weight measurement. Remember that the weight of your dose will depend on your experience and comfort level with psychedelics. For magic mushrooms, a low dose starts at 0.5–2.0g, with 2–4g considered a full dose. Anything above this range is considered a "heroic dose" and is only recommended for very experienced individuals.
Remember that magic mushrooms are powerful substances that should be treated with respect and taken responsibly. Always be mindful of your setting (environment) and your state of mind when consuming magic mushrooms to increase your chances of a positive experience.
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Measuring mushrooms for cooking
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can add a wonderful earthiness to dishes. They come in many different forms: whole, sliced, chopped, dried, canned, and powdered. This can make it challenging to know how much to buy when approaching a new recipe. Here are some tips to help you measure mushrooms for cooking:
Converting Fresh Mushrooms
If your recipe calls for a specific number of mushrooms, but you are purchasing them by weight, you can make a simple conversion. Button mushrooms, or common white mushrooms, are the most common variety available. They are typically sold by the pound, and purchasing them whole is usually the most affordable option. If your recipe requires a specific number of sliced or chopped mushrooms, you can estimate the weight of the mushrooms needed. For example, if the recipe calls for 10 sliced mushrooms, you can assume that each mushroom weighs approximately 1 ounce, so you would need about 1 pound of whole mushrooms.
Converting Dried Mushrooms
Dried mushrooms are a great alternative to fresh mushrooms and can be used in recipes with some simple conversions. Dried mushrooms have a more concentrated flavor and texture than fresh mushrooms, so you will need less of them. As a general rule, 1 ounce of dried mushrooms is equivalent to 8 ounces of fresh mushrooms. So, if your recipe calls for 8 ounces of fresh mushrooms, you can substitute it with 1 ounce of dried mushrooms.
Converting Canned Mushrooms
Canned mushrooms are another convenient option if you don't have access to fresh mushrooms. They are typically sold in standard sizes, such as 4-ounce or 8-ounce cans. If your recipe calls for a specific weight of fresh mushrooms, you can substitute half the amount of canned mushrooms. For example, if your recipe requires 8 ounces of fresh mushrooms, you can use a 4-ounce can of mushrooms as a replacement.
Converting Powdered Mushrooms
Powdered mushrooms are less common but can be useful in certain recipes, especially when creating mushroom-based sauces or soups. When substituting powdered mushrooms for fresh, it is essential to consider the volume and weight. As a general rule, 1 ounce of fresh mushrooms is equivalent to approximately 0.25 ounces of powdered mushrooms. So, if your recipe calls for 8 ounces of fresh mushrooms, you would need about 2 ounces of powdered mushrooms.
In conclusion, measuring mushrooms for cooking can be straightforward once you understand the basic conversions. Whether you are using fresh, dried, canned, or powdered mushrooms, you can easily adjust your recipes to incorporate this versatile and flavorful ingredient.
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Converting fresh and dried mushrooms
Mushrooms are available in many different forms, including whole, sliced, chopped, dried, canned, and powdered. When cooking with mushrooms, it is important to understand how to convert and substitute mushrooms to achieve the right balance of flavour and texture in your recipes.
The general rule for converting fresh mushrooms to dried mushrooms is to multiply the number of pounds by 16, then divide by 9 to get the amount of dried ounces. For example, if a recipe calls for 16 pounds of fresh mushrooms, you would divide 16 by 16, then divide by 9, which equals approximately 1/9th of an ounce or one dried mushroom.
Alternatively, you can divide the number of ounces by 9 to get the amount of dried ounces. So, if a recipe calls for 1 ounce of dried mushrooms, you would need 5.33 ounces of fresh mushrooms (1 x 5.33 = 5.33).
Other Conversions
In addition to fresh and dried mushrooms, there are also canned and powdered options available. Here are some simple conversions for these forms:
- 8 ounces sliced fresh button mushrooms = 4 ounces drained canned sliced mushrooms
- 8 ounces sliced fresh button mushrooms = 1 1/2 ounces dried mushrooms plus 3/4 cup boiling water
- 1 (4-ounce) can whole button mushrooms = 3/4 cup mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon powdered mushrooms = 3 tablespoons whole dried mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon powdered mushrooms = 4 ounces fresh mushrooms
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Microdosing and macrodosing
Microdosing involves ingesting very small, sub-perceptual amounts of psychedelic mushrooms. The goal is to harness the potential physiological and psychological benefits of psilocybin without inducing the significant alterations in consciousness or sensory perception associated with a full psychedelic experience. A microdose is typically defined as 5-10% of a standard psychoactive dose, which is generally between 0.1 and 0.3 grams of dried Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. It is important to start with a very low dose and exercise caution when microdosing, as the potency of mushrooms can vary greatly, even within the same batch and between different strains.
Macrodosing, on the other hand, refers to consuming a full or "heroic" dose of magic mushrooms. A low dose of magic mushrooms starts at 0.5-2.0 grams, while a full dose is considered to be 2-4 grams. Anything above 4 grams is considered a "heroic dose" and is only recommended for very experienced individuals. It is crucial to know how much you are consuming when macrodosing, as it can increase your chances of having a positive and safe trip.
It is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms can be unpredictable and dangerous when combined with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications. Additionally, the effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person, and they should always be obtained from a trusted source.
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Safe tripping
Know Your Dose: Understanding the amount of mushrooms you are consuming is crucial. Start with a low dose and gradually increase if needed. A good starting point for a low dose is 0.5–1.0 grams of dried mushrooms, which will help you get accustomed to the effects. A medium dose of 2.0–3.0 grams will induce psychedelic effects, but you may still be able to maintain a sense of self. Anything above 5 grams is considered a "heroic dose" and is only recommended for very experienced individuals.
Set and Setting: Your mental state and environment play a significant role in your tripping experience. Ensure you are in a good state of mind, feeling relaxed, and free from stress or anxiety, as these can lead to a bad trip. Choose a calm, quiet, and familiar setting, preferably with trusted friends who can act as trip-sitters and provide support if needed.
Pre-made Products: If measuring dried mushrooms seems daunting, consider pre-made, pre-measured products such as magic mushroom chocolate bars or capsules. These products provide a more precise dosage, reducing the risk of overconsumption.
Micro-digital Scale: If you are measuring dried mushrooms, invest in a micro-digital scale to accurately weigh your dose. This ensures you are consuming the intended amount and helps prevent negative experiences associated with incorrect dosing.
Avoid Polydrug Use: Combining magic mushrooms with certain substances can increase the chances of a bad trip. Avoid mixing mushrooms with ice, speed, ecstasy, or psychiatric medications. Polydrug use can lead to unpredictable and dangerous outcomes, so it's best to focus on one substance at a time.
Know Your Source: Be cautious about where you obtain your mushrooms. Some mushrooms look similar to poisonous varieties, so proper identification is crucial. If in doubt, do not consume them, and always know how to recognize and respond to potential poisoning symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms can be purchased in many different forms, including whole, sliced, chopped, dried, canned, and powdered. If your recipe calls for a certain number of mushrooms or cups of sliced or chopped mushrooms, you can use conversions to determine how many whole mushrooms you need to buy. For example, one cup of chopped mushrooms is equivalent to approximately four to six medium-sized whole mushrooms.
The weight of the dose depends on whether the mushrooms are fresh or dried. Dried mushrooms have less water weight than fresh mushrooms. A low dose of magic mushrooms is typically considered to be 0.5–2.0 grams, while a full dose is 2–4 grams.
Microdosing involves consuming small, non-perceptual amounts of psilocybin-containing mushrooms. Common microdosing protocols include the Stamets Protocol (5 days on, 2 days off) and the Fadiman Protocol (1 day on, 2 days off). A typical microdose contains 100–250 mg of dried magic mushrooms, which is 5–10% of a standard dose.
Yes, you can substitute dried mushrooms for fresh mushrooms and vice versa. Ten grams of fresh mushrooms is equivalent to approximately one gram of dried mushrooms.
