Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are known to have a short shelf life, with most varieties lasting no more than 3 to 4 days. However, certain species, such as the Grey Oyster, Shiitake, and Enoki mushrooms, can tolerate low temperatures, with Shiitake mushrooms even thriving in freezing conditions. In fact, exposing mushrooms to cold shock, by refrigerating them at 2°C to 4°C for 12-24 hours, can stimulate the fruiting phase and increase the overall yield. Interestingly, mushrooms have been observed to exhibit hypothermic characteristics, with cultivated and wild mushrooms displaying colder surface temperatures than their surroundings. This unique ability to maintain lower temperatures is believed to be an ancient evolutionary mechanism for thermoregulation, which may have implications for predicting the effects of global warming on fungal biodiversity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature control | Crucial for successful harvest |
| Ideal temperature range | 65-75 °F |
| Incubation stage temperature | 65-75 °F |
| Fruiting stage temperature | 60-65 °F |
| Humidity level | 85-95% |
| Mycelium perishing temperature | 45°C |
| Mycelium tolerance limit | Above 35°C |
| Cold shock temperature | +2°C to +4°C (35-39°F) |
| Heat shock temperature | +37°C or 99°F |
| Average temperature difference from surroundings | ~2.5 °C colder |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms are colder than their surroundings
Mushrooms are indeed colder than their surroundings. This phenomenon has been observed in various species of mushrooms, including the oyster mushroom (*Pleurotus ostreatus*) and the brown American star-footed amanita. The thermal biology of fungi, including mushrooms, is not yet fully understood, but research has revealed some interesting insights into their unique temperature characteristics.
One key factor contributing to the cooler temperatures of mushrooms is evaporative cooling or evapotranspiration. Mushrooms have a high water content, and they gradually release this water through a process similar to sweating, which lowers their temperature. This mechanism is believed to be an ancient evolutionary adaptation for thermoregulation. The hymenium, or the tissue that produces spores, is typically the coldest part of a mushroom, and different areas of the mushroom dissipate heat at different rates.
The ability of mushrooms to maintain temperatures lower than their surroundings has practical applications. Researchers have developed a mushroom-based air-cooling system, MycoCooler™, which can reduce the temperature of a closed compartment by approximately 10 °C in 25 minutes. This technology showcases the potential for using fungal evapotranspiration in passive indoor air conditioning systems, providing a more sustainable and energy-efficient approach to cooling.
While mushrooms generally thrive in specific temperature ranges, typically between 65-75 °F, they can tolerate a range of conditions. During the incubation stage, maintaining temperatures within this range is critical for the formation of the mycelium, the vegetative part of the mushroom. In the subsequent fruiting stage, lowering the temperature to around 60-65 °F promotes the growth of the fruiting bodies.
It is worth noting that while most mushrooms prefer cooler temperatures, there are exceptions. Some strains, particularly warm-weather and tropical species like Psilocybe Cubensis, can be sensitive to cold shock, which can abort their growth. Additionally, the tolerance of mushrooms to temperature variations also depends on their genetics and the natural climatic conditions in which they typically grow.
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Thermal biology of fungi is largely unknown
The thermal biology of fungi is largely unknown and unexplored. Fungi are assumed to be ectothermic due to their small sizes and high surface area-to-volume ratio, which means they have insufficient thermal mass to maintain a temperature difference from their surroundings. However, microorganisms often exist in communities, and the presence of heat-producing bacterial colonies suggests that microbial communities can collectively produce enough internal thermal energy to maintain warmer temperatures.
Mushrooms, the fruiting bodies of mycelium, have been observed to be colder than their surroundings, both in nature and in laboratory settings. This suggests that mushrooms achieve hypothermia via evaporative cooling, an ancient mechanism of thermoregulation. The high-water content and evapotranspiration rate of fungi enable the efficient transfer of thermal energy and water, contributing to their cold nature. Infrared imaging has been a valuable tool for studying the thermal biology of mushrooms and other fungi, providing insights into their temperature dynamics.
Fungi play essential roles in global health, ecology, and the economy. They make up approximately 2% of Earth's biomass, influencing local environments and ecosystems. The temperature and thermoregulation of fungi are relatively unknown compared to animals and plants, and further research is needed to understand their unique thermal characteristics fully. The ability of fungi to maintain colder temperatures has potential applications in passive indoor air conditioning, highlighting the practical significance of exploring their thermal biology.
The growth and yield of cultivated mushrooms are highly dependent on temperature control. Mushroom growers must maintain specific temperature ranges, typically between 65-75 °F, with slight variations depending on the species and growth stage. Temperature fluctuations can impact the growth rate and quality of mushrooms, so consistent temperature monitoring and adjustments are necessary for a successful harvest. Additionally, humidity levels must be carefully managed alongside temperature control to provide the ideal growing environment for mushrooms.
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Temperature control when growing mushrooms
Mushrooms are one of the most delicate and temperamental crops to grow, requiring specific conditions to thrive. Temperature is one of the most crucial factors for mushroom growth, and the ideal temperature range varies depending on the species. Most mushrooms prefer a temperature range between 65–75 °F (18.3–23.8 °C).
During the incubation stage, which lasts two to three weeks, the temperature needs to be maintained within this range. This stage is crucial for the formation of the mycelium, the vegetative part of the mushroom. Maintaining a consistent temperature is critical, as even minor fluctuations can impact the growth rate and quality of the mushrooms.
Once the mycelium has formed, the temperature needs to be lowered to around 60–65 °F (15.5–18.3 °C) to encourage the growth of the fruiting bodies. This temperature range may vary slightly depending on the specific mushroom strain and local environmental conditions. For example, Oyster mushrooms prefer a cooler range of 55–65 °F (13–18 °C), while Shiitake mushrooms favour slightly warmer conditions of 50–60 °F (10–16 °C).
To control temperature levels when growing mushrooms, you can use tools such as a thermometer or temperature sensor, a heating pad or mat, a cooling fan, or a greenhouse. It is important to monitor temperature levels regularly and make adjustments as needed to ensure a successful harvest. Relative humidity should also be monitored and controlled, as mushrooms require a high level of humidity, typically around 85–95% relative humidity, to grow properly.
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Cold shock for magic mushrooms
Mushrooms are one of the most delicate and temperamental crops to grow. They require specific conditions to thrive, and temperature is one of the most crucial factors. The ideal temperature range for mushroom growth varies depending on the species, but most mushrooms prefer a temperature range between 65-75 °F. Maintaining a consistent temperature is crucial, as even small fluctuations can impact the growth rate and quality of the mushrooms.
Temperature control is essential during all stages of mushroom growth. During the incubation stage, which typically lasts two to three weeks, the temperature needs to be maintained between 65-75 °F. This stage is crucial for the formation of the mycelium, which is the vegetative part of the mushroom. Once the mycelium has formed, it’s time to move on to the fruiting stage. During this stage, the temperature needs to be lowered to around 60-65 °F to encourage the growth of the fruiting bodies.
The survival of fungi is also determined by exposure time. Mycelium perishes at high temperatures around 45°C. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures above 35°C can also kill the mycelium. Developing mushrooms will tolerate freezing temperatures for short periods, but can be damaged or killed by prolonged exposure.
Cold shock techniques have been experimented with on edible mushrooms, particularly shiitake strains. A study by Professor Tjia Wai Mui found that for shiitake, a heat shock of 37°C or 99°F for 3 hours increased the speed of pinhead formation, while a cold shock of 4°C or 39°F for about 12 hours increased the number of pinheads and overall yield. The effectiveness of temperature shock depends on the genetics of the strain. Cold shock stimulates the fruiting phase, and pinheads and primordia may form a few days earlier.
There are two main methods for implementing a cold shock. The first involves covering the mushroom cakes after the substrate has been colonized and placing them in the refrigerator at 2°C to 4°C (35-39°F) for 12-24 hours. The second method involves pouring cold water over the mushroom cakes, covering them with a lid, and then placing them in the refrigerator under the same temperature and time conditions.
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Mushrooms as a cooling system
Mushrooms have been found to be colder than the air surrounding them. This is due to evaporative cooling, a process by which fungi gradually release water, lowering their temperature. This phenomenon has been observed in various types of mushrooms, including the brown American star-footed amanita and the oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus, which was found to be almost 6°C cooler than its surroundings.
The thermal biology of fungi is not yet fully understood, but mushrooms have been found to be hypothermic, with the ability to maintain colder temperatures than their surroundings. This characteristic is not limited to mushrooms but has also been observed in yeast and mold communities. The mushroom's hymenium, in particular, is often the coldest part. Different areas of the mushroom appear to dissipate heat differently.
The cooling capabilities of mushrooms have led to the development of mushroom-based air-cooling systems. One such prototype, called MycoCooler™, was capable of reducing the temperature of a closed compartment by approximately 10°C in 25 minutes. This was achieved by placing a small Styrofoam box containing mushrooms inside a larger Styrofoam container and using a fan to draw air through it.
While the exact benefits of fungi staying cool are not fully understood, it may aid in the development and release of spores from the mushroom caps. Additionally, the ability of mushrooms to maintain cooler temperatures has practical applications, such as providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cooling methods for picnics or other small spaces.
It is important to note that while mushrooms can tolerate cold temperatures for short periods, prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can be detrimental to their growth. The tolerance for cold temperatures also varies among different fungal species, with some warm-weather strains being more susceptible to temperature changes.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are often colder than the air around them due to evaporative cooling. They can also be placed in a refrigerator to induce a cold shock, which stimulates the fruiting phase.
A cold shock involves placing mushroom cakes in a refrigerator at between +2°C and +4°C for 12-24 hours. This technique increases the number of pinheads and overall yield.
Mushrooms have a short shelf life, but storing them at 0°C can extend their freshness. Higher temperatures increase the rate of decay, while lower temperatures increase the risk of chill damage.
Some mushrooms grow well in cold temperatures and high rainfall. Examples include the Grey Oyster mushroom, the Shiitake mushroom, and the Enoki mushroom. Some mushrooms, such as the winter chanterelle, can even be found in snow-covered areas.
