John Miller
Mushroom spores are the reproductive units of mushrooms, analogous to seeds in plants. They are typically collected from the mushroom cap and placed into a sterile water solution in a syringe. Spore syringes are essential for cultivating mushrooms as they ensure sterility and accuracy during inoculation. Proper storage of mushroom spores is critical for successful mushroom growth. This involves maintaining sterility, minimizing oxygen exposure, and storing spores in cool, dark, and dry places.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container type | Airtight, opaque, sterile containers such as glass vials, sealed plastic bags, vacuum-sealed bags, mason jars, zip-lock bags, or airtight boxes. |
| Container conditions | Dry, no mould, no unusual odours, clear liquid with black particles. |
| Temperature | 2-8°C (35-46°F), ideally consistent. |
| Location | Cool, dark, dry place, away from direct sunlight, exterior walls, windows, heat sources, and HVAC systems. |
| Lifespan | 8-12 months in refrigeration, 2-4 months at room temperature, up to 2 years or more. |
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What You'll Learn
Store in a cool, dry, dark place
When storing mushroom spores, it is important to keep them in a cool, dry, dark place. The ideal location is a refrigerator, where spore syringes could last up to 12 years, which is significantly longer than at room temperature. The cool temperature aids the survival of the delicate live constituents, extending their viability. It is recommended to keep them between 36 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While mushrooms in nature can grow in temperatures as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit, it is best to avoid such extremes when storing spores.
It is also important to protect spores from direct sunlight, which can be detrimental to their preservation. Therefore, cabinets, closets, or drawers are great spots to store spores, as they are usually dark and cool places. Additionally, it is recommended to keep spores away from exterior walls or windows, as these areas tend to have greater fluctuations in temperature and may be more prone to contaminants.
To further ensure the longevity of your spores, it is important to keep them sealed in their original packaging until you are ready to use them. This helps to maintain a sterile environment and prevent contamination. If you are storing spores for a longer period, it is recommended to use an airtight container, such as a vacuum-sealed bag, mason jar, or airtight kitchen container, to protect the spores from oxygen, moisture, and contamination. You can also place a desiccant packet in the container to absorb any moisture.
By following these storage guidelines and keeping your mushroom spores in a cool, dry, dark place, you can optimise their longevity and viability for successful cultivation.
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Keep spores in an airtight container
Keeping mushroom spores in an airtight container is a crucial step in preserving their viability and preventing contamination. Airtight containers, such as vacuum-sealed bags, mason jars, or airtight kitchen containers, protect the spores from oxygen, moisture, and contaminants.
Before placing the spores in the airtight container, ensure that the container is clean. Additionally, it is recommended to wipe down the spore syringes or prints with 70% isopropyl alcohol to prevent any contamination. This step is especially important if you plan to store the spores for an extended period.
To further protect the spores from moisture, you can include a desiccant packet in the container. Desiccants absorb any moisture that may be present, helping to maintain the dryness of the environment. This is crucial because moisture encourages germination or mold growth, compromising the viability of the spores.
Once the spores are sealed in their airtight container, it is best to store them in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a refrigerator set at temperatures between 35°F and 46°F (2°C-8°C). Avoid freezing temperatures as ice crystals can damage the spores. Keep the spores away from direct sunlight as UV rays can degrade their structure over time, reducing germination rates.
By following these steps and keeping the spores in an airtight container, you can significantly extend their shelf life and maintain their viability for successful mushroom cultivation.
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Use within 12-18 months
While mushroom spores can last for a long time, it is recommended to use them within 12-18 months for the best results. After all, the longer they are stored, the lower their germination rate.
To ensure your spores remain viable for up to 12-18 months, it is important to store them correctly. Firstly, keep them sealed in their original packaging until you are ready to use them. This helps to ensure they remain contamination-free.
When you are ready to use your spores, you should store them in an airtight container to expand their shelf life. Suitable containers include vacuum-sealed bags, mason jars, or airtight kitchen containers. Make sure the container is clean before placing the spores inside. You can also add a desiccant packet to absorb any moisture.
It is best to keep your spores in an area with a consistent temperature, away from exterior walls or windows where temperature fluctuations are greater. The optimal room temperature for storing spores is between 20-25°C. However, refrigeration is recommended for longer-term storage. Keep refrigerated spores at temperatures between 2-8°C (35-46°F).
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Avoid contamination
To avoid contamination, it is recommended to keep mushroom spores sealed in their original packaging until use. This ensures the spores remain in a sterile environment. To extend shelf life, transfer spores to an airtight container such as a vacuum-sealed bag, mason jar, or airtight kitchen container. Make sure the container is clean and dry. You can also place a desiccant packet inside to absorb any moisture.
Store your spores in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight. Cabinets, closets, or drawers are suitable. Avoid rooms with doors leading outdoors, as these are more prone to contaminants and temperature fluctuations. Instead, opt for a room with no drastic temperature changes and keep spores away from exterior walls and windows.
Maintain temperatures between 2°C and 8°C (35°F and 46°F) for optimal longevity. Do not freeze the spores, as this can damage them. If using a refrigerator, place the spores on a middle shelf to avoid frequent temperature changes from opening and closing the door. Keep them in their original container to prevent contamination.
Additionally, proper labelling can help avoid contamination by preventing cross-contamination or strain mix-ups. Label your spore syringes correctly, including information such as the strain name, inoculation date, source, and storage date. This simple practice can significantly impact the longevity and productivity of your spore syringes.
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Maintain a consistent temperature
To maintain a consistent temperature for your mushroom spores, it is recommended to store them in a refrigerator. The ideal temperature range for storing mushroom spores is between 2°C and 8°C (35°F-46°F), or thereabouts—one source recommends keeping spores between 36°F and 50°F. At temperatures below this range, ice crystals may form and damage the spores, so be sure to prevent freezing.
Within the refrigerator, place your spores in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and sources of UV light, which can degrade spores over time. Cabinets, closets, or drawers are also suitable storage spots. Avoid rooms with exterior walls or windows, where temperatures fluctuate more.
To protect your spores from temperature fluctuations within the refrigerator, place them in containers such as zip-lock bags, vacuum-sealed bags, mason jars, or airtight boxes. Make sure the container is clean and dry before placing the spores inside. You can also use desiccants to maintain dryness and absorb any moisture that may be present in the container.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal temperature for storing mushroom spores is between 35°F and 50°F (2°C and 10°C). Keeping the spores in a cool, dry, and dark place is essential to maximise their lifespan.
It is recommended to store mushroom spores in an airtight, sterile container such as a glass vial or a sealed plastic bag. Keeping the spores in a sealed container protects them from oxygen, moisture, and contamination.
With proper storage, mushroom spores can last for up to two years. However, for optimal results, it is recommended to use them within 12-18 months.
