Michael Davis
Shiitake mushrooms are edible fungi that are synonymous with Japanese cuisine. They are native to East Asia and thrive in wood-based environments. The process of growing shiitake mushrooms can be broken down into three phases: fruiting, harvesting, and storage. Fruiting shiitake logs are ready when the shiitake has colonized the outer cylinder of available sapwood, typically six to twenty-four months post-inoculation. To initiate fruiting, growers often employ a technique called shocking or log shocking, which involves submerging the logs in cold water for 24 hours to simulate ideal temperature and moisture conditions. After shocking, the logs are stacked for fruiting, and the mushrooms can be harvested within a few days to two weeks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fruiting time | 6-7 years |
| Substrate | Logs, straw, sawdust, or sawdust pellets |
| Inoculation time | 6 to 24 months |
| Shocking method | Submerging in cold water for 24 hours |
| Soaking time | 6 to 24 hours in summer, 2 to 3 days in spring or fall |
| Optimum pinning temperature | 55–65 °F |
| Pinning moisture content | 35% to 60% |
| Stacking configuration | High A-frame or lean-to |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Shiitake mushrooms fruit on logs or sawdust
Shiitake mushrooms can be grown on logs or sawdust. The process of growing shiitake mushrooms can be broken down into three phases: fruiting, harvesting, and storage.
Shiitake Mushrooms on Logs
Shiitake mushrooms grown on logs can be highly productive. Good quality logs can fruit for up to 8 years. Logs are ready to fruit when the shiitake has colonized the outer cylinder of available sapwood. This typically occurs 6 to 24 months post-inoculation, when the mycelium has stored enough nutrients to form mushrooms. Seasonal changes in temperature and moisture trigger the shiitake fungus to produce mushrooms. Therefore, log shocking (or soaking) is often used for "forced fruiting". After shocking, the logs are stacked for fruiting, usually using the high A-frame or lean-to configuration.
Shiitake Mushrooms on Sawdust
Growing shiitake mushrooms on sawdust involves using supplemented sawdust, typically a mixture of hardwood sawdust, wheat bran, and gypsum. The sawdust and substrate are mixed and loaded into a ribbon mixer, where they are wet during the mixing process. This mixture is then inoculated with mycelium, which colonizes the substrate. The process of growing shiitake mushrooms on sawdust can be done in bags, using filter patch bags made specifically for mushroom cultivation.
Overall, the time it takes for shiitake mushrooms to fruit varies depending on the method used. For logs, it typically takes 6 to 24 months, while for sawdust, it can take at least 9-12 months for colonization before fruiting occurs.
Mushrooms and Oxalates: What's the Connection?
You may want to see also
Fruiting requires humidity, airflow and moisture
Shiitake mushrooms are ready to fruit when the shiitake has colonized the outer cylinder of available sapwood, which usually takes around six to 24 months post-inoculation. At this stage, the mycelium has stored enough nutrients to form mushrooms.
Fruiting requires humidity, airflow, and moisture. "Pinning" refers to the early development of mushrooms. It often occurs three to five days after shocking the logs with water, but it can also occur naturally after a week. During this stage, mushrooms are highly vulnerable to cold and windy conditions, which may inhibit their growth. Therefore, it is recommended to use protective coverings or fruiting blankets to minimize wind and rain, stabilize temperatures, and localize humidity around the logs. These blankets are porous, white, synthetic, felted materials that hold water, allow air movement, and provide some insulation.
Well-colonized soaked logs can have moisture contents as high as 80–90%, but pinning requires a log moisture content of 35–60%. Optimum temperatures for pinning are between 55–65 °F with a relative humidity of at least 85%. It is important to avoid rain during this period, as shiitake mushrooms can act like sponges and soak up rainwater, reducing their value.
After the pins have emerged, the protective covering or fruiting blanket over the logs should be removed. Exposing more of each log produces dry, firm mushrooms. This typically takes seven to ten days following shocking. Depending on the temperature and shiitake strain, the fruiting period usually lasts from one to two weeks.
Mushrooms: Keto-Friendly Superfood or Carb Nightmare?
You may want to see also
Logs should be soaked in cold water to initiate fruiting
Initiating Fruiting in Shiitake Mushroom Logs
Shiitake mushrooms grown on logs can be highly productive, with good quality logs capable of fruiting for up to six to eight years. The process of growing shiitake mushrooms on logs involves three phases: fruiting, harvesting, and storage. The focus here is on the first phase, fruiting, and specifically on how to initiate it by soaking logs in cold water.
Soaking Logs in Cold Water to Initiate Fruiting
Shiitake mushrooms are triggered to fruit by changes in temperature and moisture. Therefore, growers often use "log shocking" or "forced fruiting" to induce fruiting. This involves shocking the logs by knocking one end of the log on hard ground and then submerging the log in cold water for 24 hours. The water should be non-chlorinated, and if tap water is used, it should be left to sit for a day to allow the chlorine to evaporate. If the log floats, place an object on top to keep it completely submerged. Soaking for longer than 24 hours is not recommended as it may cause the bark to fall off prematurely.
After soaking, the log should be placed in a shady spot with high humidity. The length of time the log needs to be soaked depends on various factors, including the air and water temperatures, the age of the log, and the thickness of the bark. As a general rule, the closer the air temperature is to the water temperature, the longer the soak. For example, in summer, the soak time is typically six to 24 hours, while in spring or autumn, it may be as long as two to three days. Older logs and those with thinner bark absorb water faster and therefore require shorter soaking times compared to younger or thick-barked logs.
Pinning and Fruiting
Three to five days after shocking, the early mushroom development stage, known as "pinning," occurs. During this stage, the mushrooms are susceptible to cold and windy conditions, which can inhibit their growth. Well-colonized soaked logs can have moisture contents as high as 80-90%, but for pinning, the log moisture content should be reduced to 35-60%. Optimum temperatures for pinning are between 55-65°F, with a relative humidity of at least 85%. It is important to avoid rain during this period, as shiitake mushrooms will absorb rainwater, reducing their value.
The fruiting period typically lasts one to two weeks, and the mushrooms can be harvested within five to ten days after pinning. After harvesting, the logs should be rested for one to three months before being soaked again to initiate another fruiting cycle.
How Mushrooms Are Digested by the Human Body
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Fruiting can take up to 8 years, with multiple harvests
Shiitake mushrooms are native to East Asia and are edible mushrooms commonly used in Japanese cuisine. They are classified as agaric mushrooms, characterised by their distinct mushroom cap, stalk, and gills. While they typically grow on oak or similar hardwood trees, they can also be cultivated in various settings.
When it comes to fruiting, shiitake mushrooms have a prolonged process. After inoculation, the fungi need sufficient time to spread and colonise their host before fruiting can occur. This colonisation process can take up to a year for logs and around 8 to 12 weeks for sawdust substrates. During this time, maintaining adequate moisture levels is crucial. Logs should be stacked on the ground in a shaded area, such as a forest or greenhouse, to benefit from increased humidity.
The fruiting process can be further accelerated by "shocking" the logs. This involves submerging the logs in clean, cold water for 24 hours, which triggers mushroom production. The length of soaking depends on various factors, including air and water temperatures, log age, and bark thickness. After shocking, the logs are stacked for fruiting, typically using configurations like the high A-frame or lean-to method.
Once the logs have been shocked, the first mushrooms can be expected to fruit within a few days to two weeks. However, it is important to provide the necessary environmental conditions, such as high humidity and adequate airflow. At this stage, the logs should be kept moist, and the growing area should be protected from rain, as shiitake mushrooms are susceptible to absorbing excess water, which can reduce their value.
Shiitake mushrooms grown on logs have an impressive fruiting lifespan. Good quality logs can continue to fruit for up to 6 to 7 years, with multiple harvests possible. Proper moisture management and patience are key to successful and prolonged fruiting. By following these steps and techniques, growers can optimise the fruiting process and enjoy multiple harvests of shiitake mushrooms over several years.
Lions Mane Mushrooms: Do They Work?
You may want to see also
Logs should be 3-8 diameter and 3-4 feet long
When it comes to cultivating shiitake mushrooms, logs are the most commonly used method. The ideal logs for growing shiitake mushrooms should be freshly cut from healthy, living trees during the dormant season and allowed to rest for a minimum of two weeks before inoculation. This resting period is crucial as it allows the tree's defence system to die back. Additionally, logs should be protected from drying out by storing them in a shaded area, slightly elevated from the ground, and shielded from direct sun and wind exposure.
The optimal dimensions for shiitake mushroom logs are 3 to 8 inches in diameter and 36 to 40 inches (3 to 4 feet) in length. These measurements provide the necessary space for the mushrooms to develop and fruit adequately. Logs that are too small may not offer sufficient area for the mushrooms to grow, while overly large logs can be cumbersome and challenging to manage.
It is important to select logs that are free from any signs of mould or fungi, as these could compete with the shiitake mycelium and hinder its growth. Moss or lichen coverage on the logs is also best avoided, as it indicates that the log has been sitting for an extended period, reducing its freshness.
Once the logs have been prepared and inoculated, they need to be kept evenly moist during the incubation period. This can be achieved by watering them regularly, ensuring they receive natural rainfall, or even submerging them in cold water for 24 hours to induce fruiting, a technique known as "shocking".
With proper care and maintenance, shiitake mushroom logs can fruit productively for up to 6 to 8 years, providing a continuous supply of mushrooms for culinary and gardening enthusiasts alike.
Beyond Burger: Mushrooms or Not?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Shiitake mushrooms grown on logs can take up to a year to fruit, while those grown on sawdust substrates take around 8 to 12 weeks.
Shiitake logs can fruit for up to 6 to 8 years.
To initiate fruiting, submerge the logs in clean, cold water for 24 hours. This method is known as "shocking" or "forced fruiting". After shocking, you can expect to see mushrooms fruiting within a few days to 2 weeks.
Shiitake mushrooms require a wood-based growing medium, such as logs or sawdust blocks, to provide the necessary nutrients. The growing environment should have high humidity, adequate airflow, and moisture.
