Michael Davis
Knowing when to pick the mushrooms in your monotub is an important step in the cultivation process. The best time to harvest is just before the veil breaks, which usually occurs between 5 to 12 days after the first pins appear. If you wait too long, the mushrooms will release their spores, preventing future growth. You can either pick the larger mushrooms and allow the smaller ones to mature for a couple more days, or harvest the entire monotub at once, depending on your preference and scale of production.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to pick mushrooms | Just before the veil breaks, usually 5-12 days after the first pins pop up from the substrate |
| Mushroom size | Pick the big ones first and leave the smaller ones to mature for a couple of days |
| Harvesting method | Twist and pull, or use a sterilized knife |
| Dehydration | Mushrooms need to be dehydrated within 24 hours of harvesting to prevent decay |
| Dehydration equipment | A proper dehydrator, mesh dehydrator liners, or a DIY option such as a fiberglass window screen |
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What You'll Learn
Pick mushrooms when the veil breaks
Picking mushrooms at the right time is a delicate balance. Pick too soon and the mushroom won't have reached its full potential; pick too late and the substrate will be covered in spores. The best time to harvest mushrooms is just before the veil breaks or, at the very latest, when the veil breaks. The veil is a thin membrane that connects the cap of the mushroom to the stem and covers the gills. When the mushroom matures, the veil will break, uncovering the gills.
The veil breaking time is usually between 5 and 12 days after the first mushroom pins pop up from the substrate. However, this timeframe is broad because the maturing of mushrooms can vary depending on strain variation, humidity, temperature, and fresh air. Therefore, it's important to keep a close eye on your mushrooms as they approach maturity.
When harvesting, it's best to pick the big mushrooms first and then come back for the smaller ones when they are ready. This strategy helps prevent disturbing the smaller mushrooms that are still growing. If you're working with larger amounts, you may need to harvest the whole bin at once.
To harvest the mushrooms, you can use the twist and pull method. First, put on rubber gloves that are completely sterile to eliminate any chance of contamination by bacteria or mold. Wash your hands with soap and water before starting, and sterilize any tools or containers that will come into contact with the freshly picked mushrooms. Place two fingers at the base of the mushroom and gently twist and pull the bottom of the stem in a counter-clockwise direction. Gently break the strands that are holding the stump in place without damaging the mycelium network below the stem.
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Twist and pull to harvest
There are differing opinions on the best way to harvest mushrooms. Some people advocate for cutting the mushrooms at the base, while others prefer to twist and pull them from the mycelium. Here are some insights into the twist and pull method:
Benefits of the Twist and Pull Method
- The twist and pull method can help to minimise the amount of substrate that comes away with the mushroom. By gently twisting, you can loosen the mushroom from the mycelium, reducing the risk of pulling up chunks of substrate.
- This method ensures that no residual stump is left behind, which could decay and potentially affect the mycelium.
- Some people find that the twist and pull method results in a cleaner harvest, with less substrate to clean off the mushrooms post-harvest.
- It can lead to more complete follow-up flushes, as it may recolonise more easily than cutting.
Potential Drawbacks of the Twist and Pull Method
- There is a risk of damaging the structure when twisting and pulling, which could impact future mushroom growth in those areas.
- It may also bring in contaminants and dirt, which could affect the health of the mycelium.
- For clusters of mushrooms, the twist and pull method can be less effective, as it may result in pulling up more substrate. In these cases, cutting may be faster and more efficient.
Tips for the Twist and Pull Method
- Before twisting and pulling, do a little lean side to side to disconnect any smaller clumps or attached mushrooms.
- Pinch as close to the base as possible before twisting and pulling slowly.
- If some substrate remains on the mushrooms, it can be easily cleaned off with a soft toothbrush.
- If you are not going to remove all the pins, add a fresh layer of substrate and mist it to prevent rotting and encourage maturation.
In conclusion, the twist and pull method can be an effective way to harvest mushrooms, but it is important to be gentle and take care not to damage the underlying structure. It may be beneficial to experiment with both cutting and twisting and pulling to see which method works best for you and the specific mushroom species you are harvesting.
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Cut caps off sporulating mushrooms
When cultivating mushrooms, it is possible to cut the caps off sporulating mushrooms in a monotub. This can be done if there are some early birds in the tub and you want to wait until the whole tub is ready for harvest. Cutting the caps off the sporulating mushrooms can help keep things clean in the FC without disturbing the surface by picking the whole fruit.
It is not necessary to wait until all the mushrooms in the monotub are ready for harvest. It is possible to pick the larger mushrooms first and then come back for the smaller ones when they are ready. This can be done within 24 hours of each other.
One way to harvest the mushrooms is to twist and pull, but this can tear up the blanket. Cutting with a razor blade can be difficult due to the angle and crowding in the monotub. Scissors can also be used, but they may not be sharp enough and could damage the mushrooms.
Another option is to use a specialised mushroom knife or curved scissors, which can help to avoid tearing the mushrooms and leaving stumps.
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Sterilise equipment to avoid contamination
Sterilising equipment is pivotal to prevent contamination in monotub mushroom growing. The old adage "prevention is better than cure" rings true here, as contamination can ruin your entire harvest. Sterile techniques are essential to prevent unwanted microorganisms, such as moulds or bacteria, from intruding and competing with the mushroom mycelium for nutrients and space.
To ensure your equipment is sterile, you can use a pressure cooker or autoclave to sterilise substrates and tools. This process will kill any potential contaminants. It is also important to work in a clean, clutter-free environment, and you may want to use a laminar flow hood or a still air box when handling open cultures or substrates.
In addition to sterilising equipment, you should also maintain sterile conditions throughout the growing process. This includes regularly monitoring the growing environment to ensure proper humidity, air exchange, light, and temperature. Growing mycelium generates its own heat, so it is important to aim for a few degrees below the optimum temperature to avoid cooking your mycelium.
Furthermore, it is crucial to allow your substrate to completely cool before inoculation and to ensure that the mycelium has fully colonised the substrate before starting the fruiting stage. By carefully managing these factors, you can create an environment conducive to mushroom growth and avoid contamination.
Finally, it is worth noting that contamination can still occur even with sterile equipment if proper techniques are not followed. Incomplete preparations, rushing, and not sticking to one chosen technique can all increase the risk of contamination. Therefore, it is important to be meticulous, vigilant, and proactive in addressing any contamination issues that may arise.
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Dehydrate mushrooms to preserve them
Mushrooms from a monotub can be harvested at different stages of development. Picking them as the veil breaks is one way to do it, and you can either pick the big ones first or harvest the entire tub at once.
To preserve mushrooms, dehydrating them is a great way to make them shelf-stable and usable in everyday cooking. Dehydrating mushrooms can be done in a few different ways, including air drying and using a dehydrator. Air drying is the cheapest and easiest method, but it may not always dry the mushrooms completely, especially in humid environments.
Using a dehydrator is a more effective way to dry mushrooms and can be done by following these steps:
- Clean the mushrooms by rinsing them in water or wiping them with a damp cloth to remove any dirt.
- Slice the mushrooms into pieces between 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Thicker slices will take longer to dry.
- Place the mushroom slices on the dehydrator racks, ensuring they do not overlap or touch for optimal airflow.
- Set the dehydrator to a low temperature of around 40°C to preserve the psilocybin in the mushrooms.
- Check on the mushrooms every hour to see how they are drying.
- The mushrooms are ready when they snap under pressure, indicating they are completely dry.
Once the mushrooms are dehydrated, they can be stored in airtight containers or glass jars and kept in a cool, dark, and dry location, such as a kitchen cupboard. Properly dehydrated and stored mushrooms can last for several years and can be rehydrated by pouring boiling water over them and soaking for 20-30 minutes before use.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to harvest mushrooms is just before the veil breaks. This is usually between 5-12 days after the first pins pop up from the substrate. The veil connects the cap of the mushroom to the stem and covers the gills. When the mushroom matures, the veil breaks and uncovers the gills.
Pick the mushrooms that you think are big enough and let the other mushrooms mature for a couple of days. The growth at this stage is rapid, so keep a close eye on your mushrooms.
You can use tweezers for the shorter or harder-to-reach mushrooms. For the larger mushrooms, the twisting method is recommended. Put your fingers at the base of the mushroom and gently twist and pull the bottom of the stem in a counter-clockwise direction. You can also cut the fruits off at the base or just cut off the caps.
Fresh mushrooms removed from their mycelium will begin decaying in less than 24 hours. To preserve the mushrooms, you need to dehydrate them. You can use a dehydrator or cut some cheap fibreglass window screen to fit the trays.
Yes, you can. If you have a lot of bins, you will likely harvest the whole bin at once. However, if you are growing as a hobby, you can be more selective and harvest the mushrooms as they are ready.
