Emma Wilson
There are many different opinions on how to pick mushrooms on the Shroomery Message Board. Some users recommend cutting the mushrooms with a scalpel or scissors, while others suggest gently twisting or pulling them. If you are harvesting the mushrooms for spore prints, it is recommended to wait until they open up and start dropping spores. If you are harvesting them for eating, it is best to do so right before they open up. It is also important to consider the maturity of the mushrooms and the potential for disturbing the surrounding area when deciding how to pick them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time to pick mushrooms | When you are hungry, right before they open up and begin to drop spores |
| Harvesting method | Cutting with a scalpel or scissors, twisting and pulling, snapping off |
| Harvesting time | Harvesting at once or one-by-one depends on personal preference and the evenness of the pin set |
| Storing | Mushrooms can be stored fresh for 4 days in the fridge in a brown paper bag |
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What You'll Learn
Harvesting by cutting or pulling
There are differing opinions on whether mushrooms should be harvested by cutting or pulling. Some sources state that it doesn't make a difference which method is used, while others argue for one method over the other.
Proponents of pulling mushrooms argue that cutting can leave a stump that acts as a disease vector when it rots. They also argue that pulling results in a higher yield and doesn't cause too much disruption to the mycelium underground. Additionally, some mushrooms, such as chanterelles, detach cleanly from their mycelium, requiring only a quick snip of the base and a brush before cooking. Mycorrhizal fungi, such as chanterelles, ceps, and hedgehog mushrooms, also tend to detach cleanly when pulled, while saprophytic fungi, such as wood blewits, clouded agaric, and shaggy parasols, often bring a large clod of mycelium with them when pulled.
On the other hand, proponents of cutting mushrooms argue that pulling can damage the structure and lead to mushrooms no longer growing in the places you pulled from. Cutting is also said to be faster and cause less disruption to the surrounding area. Cutting can also help prevent contamination, as pulling can bring dirt and other contaminants with it. Additionally, cutting bigger mushrooms at the base allows the base itself and smaller mushrooms to continue to grow.
Some sources suggest that the best method may depend on the type of mushroom being harvested, while others argue that it simply comes down to personal preference. Ultimately, the decision of whether to cut or pull mushrooms may depend on various factors, including the specific mushroom species, the desired yield, and the potential for disease or contamination.
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When to harvest: at once or one-by-one
When it comes to harvesting mushrooms, there are a few different approaches you can take depending on your specific goals and preferences. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for when to harvest your mushrooms: all at once or one-by-one.
Harvesting all at once:
- It is generally recommended to harvest all mushrooms at once rather than individually as the veils break. This saves time and effort.
- The best time to do this is just as the veils under the caps break, as this is when they are most potent. If you wait too long, the concentration of psilocybin/psilocin per unit mass will drop.
- However, mushrooms often don't grow and mature at the same rate, so you might end up with some ready to harvest while others are still immature.
- If you have a very uneven pin set, you may need to harvest them in groups to avoid spores getting everywhere or harvesting immature mushrooms.
Harvesting one-by-one:
- If you're selective and harvest the mature mushrooms first, you can leave the others to grow a bit more and harvest them a few days later.
- Harvesting individual mushrooms as they mature can be a good option if you don't want to harvest all at once, but it may tear up the substrate.
- If you're after stronger and more potent mushrooms, harvest them just after the veil breaks but before the caps flatten and release spores.
- If you're after sheer size and weight, you can let them mature completely, but it's still recommended to harvest before they drop their spores, unless you are printing them.
- If you want spore prints, wait until the mushrooms open up and start releasing spores. Harvest before they open up if you just want to consume them.
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Spore prints vs harvesting for eating
When it comes to mushrooms, there are two main objectives: creating spore prints and harvesting for eating. Both processes have distinct purposes and require different approaches. Here is a detailed comparison between spore printing and harvesting edible mushrooms:
Spore Prints:
Spore printing is a technique used to identify mushrooms and collect their spores for various purposes, such as art or cultivation. It is a common practice for mycologists (fungus experts) to identify mushrooms by examining the colour, shape, texture, and pattern of the released spores. This method eliminates the need for high-powered microscopes. To create a spore print, you need a mushroom, a piece of paper or foil, a bowl, and optionally, water. The mushroom's stem is removed, and the cap is placed gill-side down onto the paper. A drop of water is then placed on the cap, and it is covered with a bowl for 24 hours. During this time, the spores drop onto the paper, creating a unique print. This method can also be used to identify mushrooms before consuming them, as it is crucial to accurately identify edible mushrooms to ensure safety.
Harvesting for Eating:
Harvesting mushrooms for consumption requires a different approach. The objective is to pick mushrooms at their prime, right before they open up and release their spores. This timing ensures optimal freshness and potency. Twisting the mushrooms can damage the substrate and surrounding pins, so it is recommended to use a scalpel to cut them instead. By harvesting before the mushrooms open up, you can also avoid having the spores end up in your fridge or salad! Additionally, it is important to store harvested mushrooms properly. They can be kept fresh for a few days in a brown paper bag in the fridge, ensuring they don't touch each other.
In conclusion, the main difference between spore printing and harvesting for eating lies in the timing and purpose. Spore printing involves allowing mushrooms to release their spores onto a surface to create a print for identification or cultivation, while harvesting for eating requires picking mushrooms before they reach this stage to ensure optimal freshness and potency for consumption.
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How to avoid damaging the substrate
When picking mushrooms, it's important to avoid damaging the substrate to ensure healthy mushroom growth. Here are some detailed instructions to achieve this:
Firstly, it's crucial to understand the growth mechanism of mushrooms. Mushrooms grow from an organism inside the substrate, which is the actual fungus. This fungus, known as the mycelial network, extends throughout the substrate, providing the necessary nutrients, moisture, and energy for mushroom growth. By carefully picking mushrooms without disturbing this network, you encourage new mushroom growth.
When it comes to picking mushrooms, use a gentle twisting motion at the base of the mushroom stem. Avoid cutting the mushrooms, as this can leave behind small parts that are prone to rot and increase the chances of contamination. Instead, grasp the base and twist lightly until the mushroom pulls away. This technique helps to preserve the mycelial network and promotes the formation of new mushroom fruit bodies.
For mushrooms that are harder to reach or shorter in stature, using tweezers is a recommended approach. This allows for precise and careful picking without damaging the surrounding substrate or the mycelial network. Additionally, using a brush to remove any remaining substrate or peat moss clinging to the stems can further reduce the risk of contamination.
It's important to note that different mushroom species have specific substrate preferences. Ensuring that your substrate is properly prepared, sterilized, and suitable for the type of mushroom you are growing is vital. Incomplete sterilization or not following proper techniques can lead to a higher risk of contamination and hinder mushroom growth.
Lastly, timing is crucial. Knowing the precise time to pick mushrooms is essential for a successful harvest. Missing the optimal window can result in undesirable changes to the mushrooms. Therefore, understanding the growth stages and harvesting within the recommended timeframe, such as the 72-hour window after pinning for Psilocybe cubensis, can help ensure a healthy harvest while avoiding potential issues.
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Harvesting from a monotub
When harvesting, it is recommended to pick the mature mushrooms first and then come back for the others when they are ready. This can be done by gently grabbing the mushroom by the base, twisting, and then cutting the mycelium connected to the fruit. It is important to try not to disturb the pins or mycelium, as they will be used for future flushes.
Some people prefer to harvest the entire monotub at once, while others suggest that it is not necessary to wait and that harvesting can be done as the mushrooms mature. Leaving smaller mushrooms to grow for an extra day can result in a higher yield.
After harvesting, it is not necessary to rehydrate for a second flush, as it will come on its own. Heavy misting or dunking the bulk substrate can be done, but there is a risk of mould problems.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on whether you want spore prints or if you just want to harvest them. If you want spore prints, wait until they open up and start releasing spores. If you want to eat them, harvest them right before they open up.
You can either cut them at the base with a scalpel or scissors, or gently twist and pull them out. Cutting them is generally recommended as twisting can damage the mycelium and substrate, which may lead to green mould.
It depends on your preference and the pin set. If you have an even pin set, you can harvest them all at once when the majority are ready. If your pin set is uneven, you may need to harvest them in groups to avoid getting spores everywhere.
You can store freshly picked mushrooms in a brown paper bag in the fridge for up to 4 days. Ensure that they are not touching each other to prevent them from bruising.
Yes, it is important to properly identify the mushrooms before consuming them. Some mushrooms can be toxic, so make sure you are certain about the type of mushroom you are picking.
