John Miller
Cultivated mushrooms are species of fungi that are grown in special buildings, caves, or outdoors on logs. They are not produced on arable land. The production method of cultivated mushrooms differs from that of other vegetables, as they are grown in layered structures, often in darkness and in high CO2 environments. Commercial mushroom cultivation was first developed in caves in France, which provided a stable environment in terms of temperature and humidity. Today, cultivated mushrooms are grown in over 70 countries, with Agaricus bisporus, also known as the button mushroom, being one of the most commonly consumed varieties. Other cultivated mushrooms include shiitake, oyster, and enoki mushrooms, as well as truffles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Species belonging to Kingdom Fungi |
| Production method | Grown in special buildings, underground premises, or on tree logs |
| Production requirements | High humidity and optimal temperature |
| Area of cultivation | Effective growing surface area (beds, bags, growing shelves, etc.) |
| Species | Agaricus bisporus (button, champignon, portobello, crimini), Auricularia cornea, Auricularia heimuer, Clitocybe nuda, Flammulina velutipes, Fusarium venenatum, Hypsizygus tessulatus, Lentinus edodes (shiitake), Phallus indusiatus, Pleurotus species, Rhizopus oligosporus, Sparassis crispa, Tremella fuciformis, Tuber species (truffles), Volvariella volvacea |
| Nutritional content | 92% water, 3% carbohydrates, 3% protein, negligible fat, vitamins B2, B3, B5, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin D |
| Health benefits | Nutraceutical and therapeutic benefits |
| Environmental benefits | Key recyclers in the natural ecosystem by decomposing organic substrate |
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What You'll Learn
Cultivating shiitake mushrooms
Mushrooms are species of Kingdom Fungi and are not plants or vegetables. Cultivated mushrooms are produced in special buildings or underground premises, such as cellars or caves, with layered structures.
Shiitake mushrooms, or Lentinus edodes, are largely produced in Japan, China, and South Korea, accounting for 10% of the world's production of cultivated mushrooms. They can be grown indoors or outdoors and require a significant amount of shade and wind protection.
To cultivate shiitake mushrooms, you will need hardwood logs from trees such as oak, elm, alder, sweetgum, maple, or beech. Softwood should not be used as the resin will inhibit the growth of the shiitake mushroom. The logs should be approximately 1 metre (3-4 feet) long with a diameter of 10-15 cm (4-6 inches). After cutting the logs, let them sit for two weeks, then soak them in water for a day to provide enough moisture for the mushrooms to grow.
The next step is the inoculation process, which involves drilling holes in the logs in a diamond pattern. The holes should be about 4-6 inches apart, with a depth of about 1-1.5 inches. Then, insert the shiitake mushroom spawn in the form of mycelium-covered wooden plugs or inoculated sawdust spawn. Seal the holes with molten wax, such as paraffin or cheese wax, to prevent contamination and drying.
After inoculating the logs, stack them tightly in a shaded, moist area. Cover the stack with a "fruiting blanket" or an old bed sheet for the first 4-6 months to allow a successful spawn run. Keep the logs well-watered, especially during hot, dry weather.
It will take about 6 to 12 months for the shiitake mycelium to fully colonize the logs and begin producing mushrooms. Small, brown pinhead mushrooms will start to emerge from the waxed-over holes. At this point, restack the logs in a style that allows space for the mushrooms to fruit. Harvest the mushrooms when they reach a good size by gently twisting them off the logs or cutting them with a knife. Keep them in a humid, shaded environment and water them regularly for continuous shiitake mushroom harvests.
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The role of environmental conditions
Mushrooms are species of fungi, and not vegetables, as is a common misconception. The production of cultivated mushrooms differs from that of vegetables in that they are not produced on arable land. Instead, they are grown in special buildings or underground premises, such as cellars or caves. The production takes place in layered structures, and for some species, not on a plain surface but on tree logs.
The environmental conditions play a crucial role in the successful cultivation of edible mushrooms. The quality of the growing substrate is of utmost importance, including factors such as the carbon-nitrogen ratio, the amounts of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. High humidity and optimal temperatures are also critical factors for the establishment of mushroom mycelium on the substrate.
For example, the cultivation of Enoki mushrooms involves growing them in darkness and in a high-carbon dioxide environment, resulting in pale mushrooms with long, thin stalks and small caps. These mushrooms prefer cooler temperatures and fruit best from autumn through winter and into early spring.
The cultivation of shiitake mushrooms is another example where environmental conditions play a significant role. In the Northeastern United States, shiitake mushrooms are cultivated on hardwood logs, such as oak, American beech, sugar maple, and hophornbeam. Softwood is not suitable for shiitake mushroom cultivation due to the resin inhibiting their growth. The logs are inoculated with the mycelium of the shiitake fungus by drilling holes, filling them with the cultured mycelium, and sealing them with hot wax. After inoculation, the logs are placed under a closed canopy of a coniferous stand and left to incubate for 12 to 15 months.
Additionally, the prevention of mold contamination, especially during the hot and humid summer months, is a crucial aspect of environmental control. Orange mold, caused by Neurospora sitophila, poses a significant threat to mushroom cultivation, while green mold has been more extensively studied.
The use of agro-waste substrates, such as paddy straw, areca nut sheath, and groundnut shell, can also influence the growth of mushrooms. These substrates provide a source of nutrients and moisture, but their lignocellulosic components can be challenging to degrade, impacting the amount of mushroom biomass produced.
Overall, the environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, light, growing medium, and contamination prevention, are vital factors in the successful cultivation of mushrooms.
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Types of cultivated mushrooms
Mushrooms are species of fungi that are cultivated in special buildings, caves, or on tree logs. They are grown for food, medicine, construction materials, and other products. There are over 10,000 types of mushrooms, but all of them fall into a few broad categories. Some mushrooms are cultivated, while others are found in the wild or grow on trees.
Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are the second most important mushrooms in production globally, accounting for 25% of the total world production. They are widely cultivated but can also be found in the wild. Oyster mushrooms include the Pleurotus species, which can be grown on carbonaceous matter such as straw or newspaper, and the golden oyster mushroom (Pleurotus citrinopileatus). Oyster mushrooms are easy to cultivate and are good for beginners.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are cultivated on hardwood logs, including oak, American beech, sugar maple, and hophornbeam. They are grown under a forested canopy and are considered non-timber forest products. Softwood should not be used to cultivate shiitake mushrooms because the resin inhibits their growth. To produce shiitake mushrooms, 1-meter hardwood logs with a diameter of 10-15 cm are inoculated with the mycelium of the shiitake fungus. After inoculation, the logs are soaked in water, and the mushrooms fruit 7-10 days later.
Paddy Straw Mushrooms
Paddy straw mushrooms, or Volvariella mushrooms, account for 16% of the total production of cultivated mushrooms worldwide. They are cultivated on agro-waste substrates such as paddy straw, arecanut sheath, and groundnut shell.
Enokitake Mushrooms
Enokitake mushrooms, or Flammulina velutipes, are known as "winter mushrooms" in Japan. They are cultivated in jars and grown on sawdust, paper, and cardboard.
Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms are tough, cork-like mushrooms that grow on the side of trees. They are rare in the wild but are now cultivated on a commercial scale on hardwood logs or sawdust. Reishi mushrooms are known for their purported medicinal properties, including treating fatigue, lowering cholesterol, and boosting the immune system.
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The history of mushroom cultivation
During the 17th century, mushroom cultivation became popular in France and other parts of Europe, with French gardeners among the first to develop the process of growing mushrooms in caves, providing the perfect environment for mushroom growth. This method was later adopted in other parts of Europe and became the standard way of growing mushrooms until the mid-19th century.
In the United States, mushroom farming did not become popular until the early 20th century, with European immigrants bringing their knowledge and expertise in mushroom cultivation. The first commercial mushroom farm in the U.S. was established in 1896 in Pennsylvania, and by 1865, the country began cultivating its own mushrooms for commercial sale. The development of synthetic compost and climate-controlled growing environments in the mid-20th century revolutionized the industry, allowing for year-round cultivation and increased production.
The specialty mushroom industry is still relatively young in the United States, with shiitake mushrooms being the first specialty mushrooms commercially cultivated in the country during the 1980s. The roots of mushroom production in the U.S. can also be traced back to the late 1960s and early 1970s, with the increasing popularity of growing psilocybe mushrooms at home.
Today, mushroom farming has evolved into a dynamic and major industry, with millions of tons of mushrooms produced each year worldwide. Researchers are now exploring new techniques, such as robotics and artificial intelligence, to optimize production and improve sustainability practices.
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How to cultivate mushrooms at home
Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi, which thrive on substrates rich in organic material. They require adequate moisture, proper temperature, and limited light. By replicating their natural habitat, you can successfully cultivate various mushroom species at home. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cultivate mushrooms at home:
Inoculation
This step involves introducing mushroom spores or mycelium to a suitable substrate. The substrate can be hardwood sawdust, straw, wood chips, soybean hulls, coconut coir, or even logs. If you're using a log, drill holes all over it, fill them with mushroom spawn, and seal the holes with wax. Keep the logs damp by watering them regularly if there is no rainfall.
Colonization
Allow the mycelium to fully permeate the substrate. This step may take time, and the duration may vary depending on the species and environmental conditions.
Fruiting
Trigger mushroom development through environmental adjustments. For example, after the incubation period, you can soak the logs in water for 24 hours, triggering the fruiting process.
Harvesting
Collect mature mushrooms at the optimal time. For shiitake mushrooms, for instance, harvesting typically occurs seven to ten days after soaking the logs in water.
Additional Tips:
- Growing mushrooms indoors gives you greater control over temperature, humidity, light, and air exchange, increasing your chances of success.
- Commercial farms often create their own substrates by using sterilized or high-pH-treated plant-based agricultural byproducts. You can also purchase ready-made substrates for specific types of mushrooms.
- Popular edible mushrooms that are suitable for growing at home include oyster mushrooms and shiitake mushrooms.
- Some mushrooms offer medicinal benefits. For example, lion's mane supports healthy brain function, reishi aids sleep, and cordyceps improve lung capacity.
Remember that each mushroom species has unique requirements, so observe their development closely and be patient throughout the process.
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Frequently asked questions
Cultivated mushrooms are species of fungi that are grown in special buildings or underground premises, such as cellars or caves. They can be cultivated on logs or growing mediums like composted horse manure.
Some commonly cultivated mushrooms are shiitake, oyster, and button mushrooms. Truffles, one of the world's most expensive foods, are also cultivated. Other examples include enoki, morels, and paddy straw mushrooms.
Mushrooms are valued for their nutritional and therapeutic benefits. They are a good source of B vitamins, phosphorus, and potassium. Additionally, cultivating mushrooms can contribute to waste management, as they can be grown on agricultural byproducts and various types of biomass.
