Michael Davis
Birthing cakes, also known as birthing roots, are medicinal mushrooms used in traditional Chinese medicine. They are used to treat infertility, balance hormones, and regulate a woman's menstrual cycle. The time it takes to birth a mushroom cake varies depending on the species and growing conditions. Generally, it takes about 7-10 days for the cakes to grow and reach full maturity, but it can take anywhere from 3 to 7 weeks for the mushrooms to fruit after birth. The PF Tek technique, one of the most basic grow techniques, involves using a pressure cooker, organic brown rice flour, vermiculite, perlite, and canning jars. After birthing, it is recommended to soak the cake in water for about 24 hours and then roll it in dry vermiculite.
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What You'll Learn
Optimal colonisation time for birthing
The colonisation time for birthing mushroom cakes varies depending on the species and growing conditions. Generally, it takes anywhere from one to four weeks for the mycelium cake to be ready for fruiting. However, it is important to ensure that the cake is fully colonised before birthing to avoid contamination and maximise yield.
One common method for determining when to birth mushroom cakes is the PF Tek technique, which involves waiting for pins or primordia to form before birthing. This typically occurs within two weeks of colonisation. However, some growers have reported success with birthing at 100% colonisation, even without pin formation. It is recommended to wait at least seven days after the cake is completely covered in white mycelium before birthing, as this allows time for the core of the cake to colonise fully.
To induce pinning, you can soak the cake in water for about 24 hours after birthing. Temperature shocking the fungus by soaking it in the refrigerator causes the fruits to appear quicker than room-temperature water. After soaking, some growers roll the cake in dry vermiculite to help create a more humid environment for fruiting.
Once the cakes are ready for birthing, gently remove them from their jars by lightly slamming the jar onto a cushioned surface or using a rubber mallet to dislodge the cake. Be careful not to squeeze or bruise the cake, as this can result in bluish marks. Place the cake onto a pre-prepared surface, such as a saucer or petri dish filled with vermiculite or perlite.
After birthing, the cakes will enter the fruiting cycle, which typically lasts about two weeks. The first flush of mushrooms will be ready within this time frame, and the cakes can be ""dunked"" in water for 12-24 hours between flushes to rehydrate them. Proper fruiting conditions, such as humidity, temperature, and adequate nutrients, are crucial for successful mushroom growth.
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Preparing the fruiting chamber
Step 1: Choose an Appropriate Space
Select a clean, enclosed space with minimal light and controlled temperature and humidity levels. This could be a grow tent, a grow room, or even a large container with a lid. Ensure the space is large enough to accommodate your desired number of mushroom cakes.
Step 2: Prepare the Environment
Maintain a temperature range of 65-75°F (18-24°C) and a humidity level of 80-90%. You can use a heating or cooling device to regulate temperature and a humidifier or misting system to control humidity. Avoid direct sunlight and strong artificial light, as too much light can inhibit mushroom growth.
Step 3: Sterilize the Chamber
Before introducing the mushroom cakes, it is essential to sterilize the fruiting chamber to minimize the risk of contamination. Clean all surfaces and equipment with a disinfectant or a mild bleach solution. Ensure the chamber is well-ventilated during and after sterilization.
Step 4: Set Up the Fruiting Chamber
Prepare the fruiting chamber by laying down a layer of moistened perlite or vermiculite, which will help maintain humidity and provide a surface for the mushroom roots to grow. Place the birthed mushroom cakes on top, leaving enough space between them to allow for adequate air circulation and growth.
Step 5: Monitor and Maintain Conditions
Regularly monitor the temperature, humidity, and air circulation within the fruiting chamber. Make adjustments as needed to maintain optimal conditions. Check for any signs of contamination, such as unusual colours or foul odours, and take immediate action if any issues are identified.
Step 6: Harvesting and Maintenance
Harvest your mushrooms when they have reached the desired size. After harvesting, clean the chamber thoroughly and prepare it for the next batch of mushroom cakes. Regular maintenance of your fruiting chamber will help ensure successful mushroom cultivation over the long term.
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Soaking and rolling the birthed cake
Soaking the birthed cake is an important step in the mushroom-growing process. It helps to rehydrate the cake, encouraging healthy fruiting conditions, as mushrooms are 80 to 95% water. The cake should be soaked in water for around 24 hours, although some sources suggest 3-4 hours is sufficient. The water used can be tap water or clean drinking water. The cake will float, so it is necessary to place something on top of it to keep it submerged. Temperature shocking the fungus by soaking it in the refrigerator will cause the fruits to appear more quickly than a room-temperature soak.
After soaking, the cake should be rinsed under running water. It is then ready to be rolled in dry vermiculite, which helps to lock in the moisture. Vermiculite is available at nurseries and some home improvement stores. The cake should be placed on either the jar lid or squares of aluminum foil, so it does not sit directly on the perlite.
Some growers also add honey water or corn syrup to the water during the soaking process to provide additional nutrients to support further fruiting. However, this can also increase the risk of bacterial or yeast contamination.
It is important to note that the birthing process should not be started prematurely. The cake should be fully colonized, and it is recommended to give it several extra days to finish colonizing after it appears to be fully colonized. This is because contaminants can grow if the substrate is prematurely birthed.
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Avoiding contamination
When growing mushrooms, it is important to take steps to avoid contamination, which can negatively affect the growth and health of the fungi. Here are some ways to avoid contamination when birthing mushroom cakes:
Use Quality Substrates
Using quality substrates that are free of contaminants is crucial to prevent the introduction of pathogens into the mushroom cakes. It is recommended to purchase reliable commercial substrates or carefully prepare them under controlled conditions. If using grains, ensure they are sourced from organic farming to avoid traces of fungicides that can hinder mycelium development.
Maintain Hygiene
Adequate hygiene practices are essential to prevent contamination. This includes disinfecting hands before handling mushroom cakes, regularly cleaning the work area and growing facilities, and disinfecting tools and equipment. It is also important to avoid touching or breathing on the cakes, and to wear a mask when handling them.
Monitor Growing Conditions
Daily monitoring of the growing conditions is necessary to identify any potential issues. Factors such as low temperatures, poor ventilation, and insufficient fresh air can lead to the growth of other microorganisms and increase the risk of contamination. Maintaining the appropriate temperature and ensuring proper airflow can help reduce the chances of contamination.
Avoid Drafts and Excess Moisture
Keep the growing environment free from drafts, as they can increase the risk of contamination. Additionally, avoid excessive moisture on or around the cakes, as it can provide a favourable environment for contaminants to grow.
Allow Sufficient Colonization Time
Prematurely birthing cakes that are not fully colonized can increase the risk of contamination. It is recommended to allow extra time, typically several days, after the cakes appear to be fully colonized to ensure the interior has finished colonizing. This reduces the risk of contaminants taking over uncolonized areas.
By following these measures, you can significantly reduce the chances of contamination when birthing mushroom cakes and create an optimal environment for healthy mushroom growth.
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Harvesting mushrooms
The next step is to gently twist the mushrooms from the base of the stem. Sometimes the stem will snap, and other times, some mycelium will come away with the mushroom. It is important to keep things sterile during this process to avoid contamination of the cake, which could impact future growth. Wash your hands and wear gloves and a face mask if possible.
After the mushrooms have been harvested, the cake should be completely bald. It is then ready for rehydration. The cake should be rinsed under running water and then placed back into a plastic container. Rehydration can be done by soaking the cake in water for 20-30 minutes to 24 hours. This can be done in the refrigerator to speed up the process. After this, the cake is ready to be returned to the fruiting chamber.
If you are unable to attend to your mushroom cakes, there are a few options to pause the process. One method is to store fully colonized grain spawn jars/bags in the refrigerator for up to four months and make fresh cakes when you are able to. Alternatively, you can bury the cake in the garden or a plant pot and let nature take its course, as long as the temperature is between 50-85°F or 10-30°C.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal time to birth mushroom cakes is when they are fully colonized, which can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks or more.
Birthing cakes too early can create a substantial risk for contamination and may result in fewer mushrooms. It is recommended to wait until the cakes are fully colonized to avoid these issues.
You will know when the cakes are fully colonized when they are completely covered in white mycelium. At this point, you can carefully remove the cakes from their jars and transfer them to a fruiting chamber.
After birthing the cakes, it is recommended to soak them in water for about 12 to 24 hours and then roll them in moist vermiculite before placing them in a fruiting chamber.
The fruiting time of mushrooms depends on the species and growing conditions, but typically they can take anywhere from 2 to 7 weeks to fruit after birth.
