Laura Smith
Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are a group of fungi that contain psilocybin or psilocin, chemicals that cause psychedelic hallucinations or experiences. They can be eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into tea. Like any other mushroom, they are susceptible to developing mold or bacteria if not stored properly. Consuming mold can lead to allergic reactions or respiratory problems, and it can also cause severe infections such as salmonella or E. coli. Therefore, it is important to recognize the signs of spoilage in magic mushrooms, such as discoloration, unusual spots, or the presence of mold, and to store them properly to maintain their potency and safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | Light brown to golden caps, white stems, or light brown all over. Discolouration is a sign of decay. |
| Smell | Earthy and musky. A strong, funky, sour, fishy, or ammonia-like smell is a sign of spoilage. |
| Texture | Slightly dry, crisp, and firm. Older mushrooms become soft and slimy. |
| Temperature | Should be stored at room temperature, below 40 degrees. |
| Container | Should be stored in breathable packaging like a paper bag. Avoid sealed containers, plastic bags, or direct sunlight. |
| Drying | Air drying is the cheapest and best method. Dehydrators can be used but are more expensive. |
| Health Risks | Consuming mould can cause allergic reactions or respiratory problems. Spoiled mushrooms can lead to severe infections such as salmonella or E. coli. |
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What You'll Learn
How to identify mould on psychedelic mushrooms
Like any mushrooms, psychedelic mushrooms can develop mould or bacteria over time, especially if they are not stored properly. Consuming mould can lead to allergic reactions or respiratory problems, so it is important to identify and avoid consuming mouldy psychedelic mushrooms.
Mould is a fungus that grows in the form of filaments called hyphae. It can be identified by its distinct and bright colours. If you spot green, blue, grey, or black patches on or in your mushrooms or their growing box, they are likely to be contaminated by mould. However, it is important to note that small blue stains may be bruising and not mould, especially where the rye presses the mycelium against the grow box.
Other signs of mould include discolouration, unusual spots, or a fuzzy texture on the surface of the mushrooms. Spoiled mushrooms may also have a bad smell or a slippery texture. If your mushrooms smell funky, sour, fishy, or like ammonia, they should be discarded immediately.
Proper storage is crucial to preventing mould growth. Store psychedelic mushrooms at room temperature in a cool, dark place. Use breathable packaging like a paper bag to allow airflow and prevent moisture buildup. Avoid using plastic bags, as they trap humidity and accelerate decay. Keep the mushrooms out of direct sunlight and protect them from heat, UV light, and exposure to air, as these factors can speed up the spoilage process.
Additionally, it is important to maintain a sterile environment when cultivating psychedelic mushrooms to prevent contamination by mould, bacteria, or pests. This can be achieved through substrate sterilisation and air filtration. However, these methods are not foolproof, and a contamination could still occur.
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The dangers of consuming mouldy psychedelic mushrooms
Like any other mushroom, psychedelic mushrooms can develop mould or bacteria over time if they are not stored properly. Consuming mouldy mushrooms can lead to allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and even severe infections such as salmonella or E. coli.
Mould is a type of fungus that grows in the form of filaments called hyphae. It can be controlled with salt, baking soda, alcohol, or cinnamon. However, when it comes to psychedelic mushrooms, it is crucial to prevent and avoid mould growth altogether due to the potential health risks associated with consuming mouldy mushrooms.
To ensure the safety of those consuming psychedelic mushrooms, proper storage and handling are essential. Psychedelic mushrooms should be stored in cool, dark places, such as breathable packaging like paper bags, to prevent moisture buildup and accelerate decay. It is also important to look for signs of spoilage, such as discolouration, unusual spots, or the presence of mould, before consumption.
Additionally, it is important to recognise that psychedelic mushrooms themselves carry certain risks. They can cause unpredictable and potentially dangerous behaviour, leading to injuries. They may also lead to what is commonly known as a "bad trip", which can include paranoia, loss of boundaries, and a distorted sense of self. Furthermore, there is a risk of poisoning from picking the wrong types of mushrooms, as many species look alike, and accidental consumption of hallucinogenic or poisonous mushrooms can occur.
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How to prevent mould when storing psychedelic mushrooms
Like any mushrooms, psychedelic mushrooms can develop mould or bacteria over time if they are not stored properly. Consuming mould can cause an allergic reaction or respiratory problems, so it is important to prevent mould when storing psychedelic mushrooms.
To prevent mould, it is important to keep psychedelic mushrooms in a cool, dry, and dark place. Fresh mushrooms are more perishable, while dried ones have a longer shelf life, so it is recommended to dry your mushrooms before storing them. Air drying is the cheapest and best way to dry mushrooms, as it ensures a slow and consistent dry. Drying should take place in a moderately warm space, ideally between 60-70°F, with humidity between 55-65%, and mushrooms should be kept out of direct sunlight. After drying, mushrooms should be stored in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags in a cool, dry, and dark place like a pantry. It is also important to avoid exposing mushrooms to moisture, heat, light, and high humidity, as these conditions can promote mould growth.
To maintain the potency of psychedelic mushrooms, it is important to store them properly and inspect them regularly for any signs of mould or degradation. By following these storage guidelines, you can help prevent mould and ensure the quality and effectiveness of your mushrooms.
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How to prevent mould when growing psychedelic mushrooms
Growing psychedelic mushrooms can be a tricky process, and it is easy to make simple mistakes. Unfortunately, these mistakes can lead to contamination by mould, bacteria, or insects. To prevent mould when growing psychedelic mushrooms, it is important to understand the conditions that promote mould growth and take steps to mitigate them. Here are some detailed and direct instructions to help you successfully grow psychedelic mushrooms while preventing mould contamination:
Maintain a Clean Environment
A clean environment is crucial for preventing mould contamination. Sterilize all equipment, including cutting tools and knives, before using them. You can sterilize cutting tools by washing them with hot soapy water and then wiping them with rubbing alcohol. Additionally, wear disposable gloves during the process to minimize physical contact with the substrate and plastic, reducing the risk of mould formation. Ensure that your hands are clean before handling any equipment to avoid transferring potential contaminants.
Control Humidity and Temperature
Mushrooms require humidity to flourish, but too much humidity can encourage mould growth. Maintain adequate ventilation and avoid growing mushrooms during warm and humid weather, especially with temperatures between 25-30 degrees Celsius. Monitor humidity levels and adjust as needed to prevent excessive moisture buildup. Avoid over-watering or soaking the growing kit for too long, as this can lead to mould growth and patchy mycelium development.
Identify and Address Contamination Early
Contamination can occur even in professional environments, so it's important to be vigilant. Familiarize yourself with the signs of mould contamination, such as discolouration, unusual spots, or the presence of mould on the mushrooms. If you suspect contamination, act quickly by identifying the source and taking corrective measures. Common contaminants include bacteria, mould (fungi), and pests, each requiring specific control methods. For example, mould can be controlled with salt, baking soda, alcohol, or cinnamon.
Store Properly
Once your mushrooms have grown, proper storage is crucial to prevent mould and maintain potency. Store fresh mushrooms in breathable packaging like paper bags to allow airflow and prevent moisture buildup. Keep them in a cool, dark place and label your containers with storage dates. For dried mushrooms, use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags.
By following these instructions and maintaining a sterile, well-ventilated, and controlled environment, you can significantly reduce the risk of mould contamination when growing psychedelic mushrooms. Remember that contamination can happen even with careful preparation, so stay vigilant and address any issues promptly.
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What to do with mouldy psychedelic mushrooms
Mouldy psychedelic mushrooms should not be consumed, as consuming mould can cause allergic reactions or respiratory issues. Instead, they should be discarded.
To prevent mould from growing on your mushrooms, it is important to store them properly. Fresh mushrooms are more perishable, while dried ones have a longer shelf life, provided they are stored correctly.
- Use breathable packaging like a paper bag to allow airflow and prevent moisture buildup, which leads to spoilage.
- Avoid using plastic bags, as they trap humidity and accelerate decay.
- Store mushrooms in a cool, dark place.
- Label containers with storage dates to ensure better long-term usability and a consistent psychedelic experience.
- Keep mushrooms at room temperature to maintain freshness for longer.
- If storing at room temperature for an extended period, avoid sealed containers to prevent the growth of dangerous anaerobic bacteria.
- Air drying mushrooms is the easiest, cheapest, and best way to dry them. It ensures a slow and consistent drying process.
- When air drying, maintain a temperature between 60-70°F with 55-65% humidity, and keep mushrooms out of direct sunlight.
- If you are using a food dehydrator, set it to a low temperature and check your mushrooms frequently.
- When cultivating mushrooms, maintain sterile conditions at all times to prevent mould growth.
It is important to note that even properly stored mushrooms can develop mould over time. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly inspect your mushrooms for signs of mould or spoilage before consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
If your mushrooms have gone bad, they will show signs of discoloration, unusual spots, or the presence of mold. They may also smell funky or sour. If you notice any of these signs, discard them immediately.
Consuming moldy mushrooms can cause allergic reactions or respiratory issues. Moldy mushrooms may also be contaminated by harmful bacteria, which can lead to severe infections such as salmonella or E. coli.
To prevent your psychedelic mushrooms from going bad, proper storage is crucial. Store your mushrooms in a cool, dark place, and use breathable packaging like a paper bag to prevent moisture buildup. Keep them below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or at room temperature, and avoid sealed containers as they can encourage dangerous bacteria growth.
