John Miller
Knowing when to harvest mushrooms is crucial to ensuring optimal potency and quality. The ideal time to harvest is when the mushroom is mature but has not yet started to degrade or lose its potency. This stage is indicated by the veil of the mushroom breaking or being about to break, which is when the cap of the mushroom expands and breaks the veil, revealing the mature spore-producing surfaces. The veil is a thin membrane on the underside of the cap that keeps the spores in the mushroom. When the mushroom is mature, the veil tears and the spores are released, ready to grow the next generation of mushrooms. If the spores are released onto the mycelium cake, it will produce fewer mushrooms in the subsequent flushes, if any at all. Therefore, keeping the cakes spore-free is essential for continued mushroom growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | The appearance of the mushroom does not matter much, but the veil should be observed. |
| Veil | The thin membrane on the underside of the cap should be watched for tearing. |
| Spores | Mushrooms should be harvested before the veil breaks and spores are released. |
| Potency | Mushrooms produce less psilocybin relative to their weight as they grow. |
| Size | Mushrooms should be allowed to grow to a good size for a good yield, but not too big. |
| Caps | The caps of mushrooms flatten or become convex. |
| Gills | The gills enlarge and drop spores. |
| Timing | The ideal time to harvest varies for each mushroom variety and is learned through experience. |
| Oyster Mushrooms | Harvest when the caps begin to uncurl and flatten, but before they become too flat. |
| Blue Oyster Mushrooms | Harvest when the edges of the caps start to flatten out, 6-10 days after pinning. |
| Pink Oyster Mushrooms | Harvest when the cap is flat or slightly concave and the edges are just beginning to curl up. |
| Shiitake Mushrooms | Harvest when the edges of the caps are curled under and 80% of the gills are exposed. |
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What You'll Learn
The veil
The appearance of the veil is an important characteristic used in mushroom identification. Some mushrooms have a partial veil, which covers only part of the underside of the cap and leaves a ring on the stem when it breaks away. Other mushrooms have a universal veil, which covers the entire young mushroom and usually leaves a cup-like structure at the base of the stem. The colour, texture, and remnants of the veil are all important features used to identify different mushroom species.
Knowing the characteristics of the veil is crucial for determining the right time to harvest mushrooms. In general, mushrooms are ready for harvest when the veil begins to tear. This is a sign that the mushroom is mature and ready to release its spores. If the veil is still intact and has not started to tear, the mushroom is not yet fully mature, and waiting a little longer will ensure a more abundant harvest. However, if the veil has already torn and the gills are exposed, it is best to harvest the mushrooms soon, as they are fully mature and will start to deteriorate.
For most mushroom species, the ideal time to harvest is when the veil is still partially intact but has begun to tear. At this stage, the mushrooms are mature enough to provide a good yield, but they have not yet released their spores, so the harvest will be cleaner and less messy. A good rule of thumb is to harvest mushrooms when the veil is about two-thirds torn. This ensures that the mushrooms are fully mature and have reached their full size, but there is still enough veil intact to protect the gills and prevent excessive spore release.
In addition to the condition of the veil, there are other factors to consider when determining the best time to harvest mushrooms. The colour of the gills is important, as many mushrooms are best harvested before the gills turn dark or start to discolour. The firmness of the cap is also a good indicator, as mushrooms should be harvested when their caps are still firm and not soggy or wrinkled. By considering all these factors, mushroom enthusiasts and farmers can ensure they harvest their mushrooms at the perfect time to maximise their yield and quality.
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Spores
Mushrooms reproduce by spreading their spores, which are located underneath the cap. The underside of the cap is covered by a thin membrane called the veil, which keeps the spores inside the mushroom. As the mushroom matures, the veil tears, and the spores are released, allowing the next generation of mushrooms to grow.
The veil is a crucial indicator of when to harvest mushrooms. The optimal time to harvest is when the veil has just broken or is about to break. This stage indicates that the mushroom is mature and has reached peak potency before releasing spores. Harvesting at this time ensures the mushrooms are at their best for culinary or other uses, capturing the full flavour and potential biochemical compounds of interest.
If you harvest mushrooms too late, after the veil has torn, the mushrooms will still be edible, but their texture may not be as good, and they will not last as long after harvest. In addition, if you are growing mushrooms indoors, the release of spores onto the mycelium cake will result in far fewer mushrooms in subsequent flushes, if any at all. Therefore, keeping the cakes spore-free is essential to maximise future yields.
The colour of the veil can also indicate when it is time to harvest. On juvenile mushrooms, veils are usually grey-white and fleshy. When it is time for them to tear, they often darken and begin to sag. Therefore, you should always harvest mushrooms while the veils are still lightly coloured.
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Size
For most cap and stem mushrooms, the optimal time to harvest is when the gills are exposed but the cap margin is still curled under. The caps should be turning from convex to concave, or turning up. This is optimal for quality and long-term storage of the mushroom. For shiitake mushrooms, the ideal stage to harvest is when the edges of the caps are still curled under, and 80% of the gills are exposed. However, shiitake mushrooms can be harvested at any time during their growth, regardless of size.
Lion's mane mushrooms are generally ready to harvest four to seven days after pinning. They are ready to harvest when they are around fist-size with distinct, elongated spines or teeth. The spines can grow up to an inch (2.54 cm) in length, but many growers recommend harvesting when the spines are around 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) long. For the best flavour and texture, harvest lion's mane before they begin to dry out and turn brown or pinkish.
Oyster mushrooms are typically harvested when the caps begin to uncurl and flatten, but before they become too flat. The edges of the caps should still be slightly curled under when harvested. Pink oyster mushrooms can be harvested before the caps start to flatten, especially if they are already a good size. The younger the pink oyster, the more tender and succulent it will be.
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Timing
The timing of mushroom harvesting is crucial to maximising future flushes and getting the most out of your crop. The ideal time to harvest will depend on the variety of mushroom, and it is something that you will learn through experience.
One of the most important indicators of the right time to harvest is the veil, a thin membrane on the underside of the cap that keeps the spores in the mushroom. When the mushroom is mature, the veil tears and the spores are released, ready to grow the next generation of mushrooms. The veil darkens and sags before it tears. If you are growing mushrooms indoors, it is very undesirable for the spores to be released, as it will reduce the number of mushrooms in subsequent flushes. Therefore, it is important to harvest before the veil tears.
Another indicator of the right time to harvest is the size and shape of the mushroom. You are aiming to let the mushrooms grow to get a good yield without letting them become too mature. Bigger isn't always better. For example, the ideal time to harvest oyster mushrooms is when the caps begin to uncurl and flatten but before they become too flat. The edges should still be slightly curled under when you harvest them. For pink oyster mushrooms, you can harvest before the caps start to flatten, especially if they are already a good size. The younger the mushroom, the more tender and succulent it will be.
If you are growing psychedelic mushrooms, it is worth noting that several studies suggest that mushrooms produce less psilocybin relative to their total weight as they grow, with the peak of active compound production ending around the time of the tearing veil. Therefore, harvesting before the veil breaks will ensure the best potency per gram.
Finally, if you don't harvest your mature mushrooms early enough, they will drop a black blanket of spores. This will not ruin your crop, but it may make it harder to get another flush from the same area.
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Oyster mushrooms
Firstly, oyster mushrooms need the right balance of humidity and fresh air to grow. They grow well in enclosed monotubs or in containers like buckets, but these must be regularly sprayed and fanned to maintain humidity and fresh air. Oyster mushrooms also only need a little indirect light, so they can be kept in a transparent bag or in a room with windows.
Secondly, oyster mushrooms are ready to harvest when the caps begin to uncurl and flatten, but before they become too flat. The edges of the caps should still be slightly curled under when you harvest them. You can also tell they are ready by gently pulling on the stem—if it breaks easily, it's time to pick them. Make sure to harvest them before they drop spores, as oysters can spore quite heavily.
Once harvested, oyster mushrooms should be stored in a paper bag in the refrigerator if you plan to use them within a few days. This will help prevent moisture buildup and keep them fresh. If you have a large harvest and want to store your mushrooms for longer, you can dry them by slicing them into thin pieces and placing them in a dehydrator or in the oven on low heat. Once they are completely dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Another option is to freeze your mushrooms by cleaning and slicing them, placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer, and then transferring them to an airtight container once frozen.
Finally, it's important to note that oyster mushrooms are fully grown before harvesting. This means waiting until the caps have opened all the way and the edges have started to curl up. If you harvest them too early, they may have a rubbery texture and decreased yield. If you harvest them too late, they may become overripe, losing their flavour and ideal texture.
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Frequently asked questions
The key indicator is the veil of the mushroom—a thin membrane on the underside of the cap that covers the gills or pores. Harvest your mushrooms when the veil has just broken or is about to break, as this indicates the mushroom is mature and has reached peak potency.
The mushroom will continue to grow in size but will not develop any more psilocybin or psilocin. It will also release spores, which can reduce future mushroom growth.
On juvenile mushrooms, veils are usually grey-white and fleshy. When they are about to tear, they often darken and sag.
Signs that you've missed the ideal harvest window include the mushroom caps drying out, flattening, or releasing spores.
Oyster mushrooms grow very fast, so it's important to check on them regularly. Harvest them when the edges of the caps start to uncurl and flatten out but before they become too flat.
