Emma Wilson
The best time to pick mushrooms depends on what you want from them. If you want spore prints, you should wait until they are fully open and dropping spores. If you want to eat them, it is best to pick them just before they open up, as this is when they are at their most potent. If you are selling mushrooms, you will want to wait until they are fully mature, as this will give you more weight. If you are picking for personal use, you will get a better dose than weight if you pick them before they are fully developed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Harvesting for spore prints | Wait until mushrooms open up and begin to drop spores |
| Harvesting for consumption | Pick before mushrooms open up and start to drop spores |
| Harvesting for potency | Pick when the veil breaks, before the cap opens |
| Harvesting for weight | Allow the cap to open and flatten |
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What You'll Learn
Harvest when hungry
The best time to pick mushrooms is when you are hungry, according to some. However, there is an art to cultivating mushrooms, and the timing of the harvest depends on the intended use of the mushrooms. If you are after spore prints, then it is best to wait until the mushrooms are fully mature, and the caps are open. If you are after a good dose of actives, then it is better to pick them before they are fully mature, as they will have more actives by weight.
Spore Prints
If you want to make spore prints, then you should wait until the mushrooms are fully mature. This is when the caps are open and the spores are beginning to drop. At this stage, the mushrooms will have used their energy to grow larger and open the caps, rather than make alkaloids. This means that the mushrooms will have more weight overall, which is preferable if you are selling them.
Actives
If you are after a good dose of actives, then it is better to pick the mushrooms before they are fully mature. This is because, at the pin stage, the mushrooms will already have around 50% of their maximum alkaloid potential. By the time the veil is getting stretched, the mushrooms are done producing actives because they have started to put their energy into producing spores. This is similar to how cannabis stops producing THC in large amounts once it has been pollinated because it then dedicates its energy to producing seeds. Therefore, if you are after a good dose rather than weight, you will get more actives from mushrooms that haven't fully developed.
Gradual Harvesting
Gradual harvesting is common practice. It is more efficient in terms of resource use and contamination prevention. It is better for the cake, and you can always dehydrate it and dunk and roll for more flushes.
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Harvest before spore drop
Harvesting mushrooms before the spore drop is a common practice, especially if you're after a good dose of actives rather than a large yield. The veil breaking is a sign that the mushroom is mature, but it also indicates that the mushroom has started to dedicate its energy to producing spores, similar to how cannabis stops producing THC after pollination as it focuses on seed production.
If you're cultivating mushrooms for personal use, it's advisable to harvest right before the veil breaks, as this is when the mushroom has reached its maximum potency. Waiting too long can result in a lower concentration of actives, as the mushroom will have used its energy to grow larger and open its cap, rather than producing alkaloids.
Harvesting before the spore drop also ensures that you avoid the unpleasant taste of spores, which some find worse than the taste of the mushrooms themselves. It's a fine balance, as you want to ensure you don't harvest too early and miss out on the benefits of a more mature mushroom, but leaving it too long can result in a less potent crop.
Some growers recommend harvesting when the veil is stretched or just a few hours before it breaks, as this can be a tricky stage to pinpoint. This technique ensures a good balance between yield and potency, and you'll avoid the spores and potential loss of actives.
Additionally, gradual harvesting is a common practice, allowing you to pick mushrooms at their prime while leaving others to mature further. This method also promotes efficient use of nutrients and reduces the chance of contamination.
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Harvest before caps open
When it comes to mushroom harvesting, timing is crucial. For many varieties, the ideal window for picking occurs just before the caps open. This stage, known as the "button stage," is when the mushrooms are still immature and their caps are tightly closed. Picking mushrooms at this stage ensures the best flavour and texture.
Mushrooms picked before the caps open will have firmer flesh and a more compact shape. They will also have a milder flavour, making them more versatile in the kitchen. This stage of development is ideal for cooking applications, as the mushrooms will hold their shape and texture better during preparation and cooking.
Identifying the button stage can vary depending on the mushroom variety. For instance, some mushrooms, like the common button mushroom, will have caps that are still rounded and smooth, with no signs of unfurling. Other varieties might exhibit slightly different characteristics, so it's important to familiarise yourself with the specific traits of the mushrooms you are cultivating.
To ensure a successful harvest, regularly monitor your mushroom patch as they approach maturity. Check daily to gauge their progress and catch them at the optimal moment. Gently touch the caps to assess their firmness; if they feel resilient and spring back, they're ready for harvest. Overly soft caps or those that don't rebound from gentle pressure are likely past their prime.
Harvesting mushrooms before the caps open also encourages subsequent growth. Many mushroom species produce their fruit in waves, and picking them at the button stage can stimulate additional flushes. This practice can lengthen your harvesting season and provide you with a more bountiful yield over time. Always handle the mushrooms delicately during harvest to prevent damaging the mycelium, which is crucial for future mushroom production.
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Harvest when veil breaks
The best time to harvest mushrooms depends on your intention for them. If you want to make spore prints, wait until the mushrooms are fully open and have started to drop spores. However, if you intend to eat them, it is best to harvest mushrooms right before the veil breaks and the cap starts to open. This is because mushrooms are done producing actives by the time the veil is getting stretched, as they have already started to put their energy into producing spores. This is similar to how cannabis stops producing THC in large amounts once it has been pollinated because it then dedicates its energy to producing seeds.
Harvesting before the veil breaks also ensures you get a good dose rather than weight. If you wait until the veil breaks and the cap is fully open, you will have more mushroom material but a lower concentration of actives per unit of weight. This is because, once the veil breaks, the mushroom starts to die, and its energy is directed towards opening the cap rather than making alkaloids.
Some growers aim to harvest when the mushrooms are still in the pin stage, before the veil breaks, as they believe this is when the mushroom is most potent. However, others disagree, stating that there is no noticeable difference in potency between mushrooms harvested before or after the veil breaks.
If you are harvesting for personal use, it is recommended to pick the mushrooms right as or after the veil breaks. This ensures a good balance between weight and actives. If you are harvesting for spore prints, wait until the cap is fully open and has started to flatten out.
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Harvest gradually
Harvesting mushrooms gradually is a common practice, as it allows for a more continuous yield and efficient use of resources. Here are some key considerations for gradual mushroom harvesting:
Timing is Key
Gradual harvesting requires a keen eye for timing. The ideal moment to pick each mushroom is just before the veil breaks, exposing the gills underneath the cap. Waiting too long can result in a loss of potency, as the mushroom starts to dedicate its energy to spore production rather than active compound synthesis. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the mushrooms closely and harvest them at the optimal stage.
Dehydration and Dunking
To promote healthy flushes and extend the harvesting period, it is recommended to dehydrate the mushrooms at some point during the process. Additionally, dunking and rolling the cake after each flush can help maintain optimal conditions for subsequent harvests. This practice can prevent contamination and ensure a longer-lasting and more productive growing environment.
Weight vs. Potency
When harvesting gradually, it is essential to understand the trade-off between weight and potency. Smaller mushrooms, or pins, tend to have higher concentrations of active compounds per unit weight. However, larger mushrooms contribute more overall actives to your yield. Therefore, gradual harvesting may result in a higher proportion of actives, but the total weight of your harvest will be lower compared to letting all the mushrooms fully mature.
Contamination Concerns
Gradual harvesting can reduce the risk of contamination by ensuring that mushrooms are picked as soon as they are ready. Leaving mature mushrooms on the cake for too long can increase the chances of contamination, as the environment becomes more favourable for the growth of unwanted organisms. Regular harvesting can help maintain optimal conditions and reduce the likelihood of contamination, promoting healthier crops.
Continuous Yield
Harvesting mushrooms gradually allows for a continuous supply of fresh mushrooms. By picking mushrooms at different stages of maturity, you can always have a batch ready for consumption or further processing. This method ensures that you are not overwhelmed with an abundance of mature mushrooms simultaneously, allowing for better inventory management and a steady supply.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on what you want to do with them. If you want spore prints, wait until the mushrooms open up and start to release spores. If you want to eat them, harvest them right before they open up.
You'll know they're about to open up when the veil breaks and the gills on the underside of the cap are exposed.
If you wait too long, the mushrooms will lose some of their potency as they will have used their energy to grow larger and open their caps rather than make alkaloids.
Yes, you can harvest gradually as each fruit is ready. Harvesting gradually is better for the cake and can lead to more flushes and healthy fruits.
