John Miller
Knowing when to pick wild mushrooms is a crucial step in the mushroom-picking process. Mushrooms are cultivated through seven main steps: strain selection, substrate preparation, inoculation, incubation, initiation, fruiting, and harvest. The timing of the harvest is critical as it determines the quality and longevity of the mushrooms. The optimal time to pick mushrooms is when the gills are exposed, but the cap margin is still curled under. The harvest window can be short, especially during the summer or when temperatures rise above 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, it is important to observe the veil, a thin membrane on the underside of the cap that covers the gills. The mushroom is ready to be picked just before the veil tears, as this indicates that the mushroom is mature.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time of year | Fall is a good time to start growing mushrooms |
| Temperature | Optimal temperature for fruiting is below 60 degrees |
| Frequency | Mushrooms need to be harvested daily to ensure highest quality |
| Veil colour | Harvest when the veil is still light-coloured, before it turns dark |
| Cap | Harvest when the cap is still slightly curled down |
| Size | Harvest when the mushroom reaches full size or stops growing |
| Spines | Harvest when the spines elongate |
| Preservation | Dehydrate mushrooms to preserve them |
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What You'll Learn
Observe the veil
The "veil" is a critical component in mushroom cultivation. It is a thin membrane on the underside of the mushroom cap that protects the developing spores on the gills or pores. As the mushroom matures, the veil tears away, exposing the gills and releasing the spores. The veil's rupture is a significant milestone in the mushroom's lifecycle, signalling the transition to maturity.
For cultivators, observing the veil is essential to determining the optimal harvest time. The right time to harvest is just before the veil tears. On juvenile mushrooms, the veil is typically fleshy and light-coloured, usually grey or white. As the mushroom matures, the veil may darken and sag, indicating that it is about to tear. Therefore, it is crucial to harvest the mushrooms as soon as these signs appear.
The veil also plays a role in species identification. Different mushroom species have varying veil characteristics, with some having a prominent veil and others lacking one. By examining the veil's presence and features, foragers and cultivators can aid in identifying the mushroom species.
Additionally, the veil contributes to the aesthetic and culinary qualities of mushrooms. Harvesting at the right stage of veil development can result in mushrooms with superior aesthetic appeal and enhanced culinary properties. The environmental conditions that influence veil development should be carefully managed to ensure timely and healthy maturation.
In summary, observing the veil is crucial in mushroom cultivation for determining harvest timing, species identification, and optimising aesthetic and culinary qualities. By understanding the nuances of veil development, cultivators can harvest mushrooms at their peak quality and maximise the yield and value of their crop.
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Harvest before it tears
The timing of harvesting mushrooms is critical. Picking them too late can ruin the whole crop. One general rule is that it is better to harvest too soon than too late. The optimal time to harvest mushrooms is just before the veil tears. The veil is a thin membrane on the underside of the mushroom cap, which covers the gills and 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.
To identify when the veil is about to tear, careful observation is necessary. On a juvenile mushroom, the veil is fleshy and light-coloured, usually grey-white. When the time comes for them to tear, they often darken and begin to sag. Once the veil tears, it will drop down the stem and detach from the underside of the cap, revealing a concave cavity and gills. At first, just one side may tear, but the rest will soon follow. The veil will turn black, followed by the cap and the whole mushroom. After this point, the mushroom will soon start to die, as it has fulfilled its purpose. It will darken, appear to wilt, and eventually break.
To harvest the mushrooms, rotate the mushroom a full turn and gently pull it up, taking care not to disturb neighbouring mushrooms. Avoid cutting the stem, as leaving it in the growing medium can lead to rotting.
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Dehydrate your harvest
Dehydrating your mushroom harvest is a great way to preserve them. Fresh mushrooms removed from their mycelium will start to decay in under 24 hours, so it's important to act fast.
Firstly, clean your mushrooms with a quick rinse and use a vegetable brush to get rid of any dirt. You can either slice them first and then clean them or vice versa, depending on what's easiest for the shape of the mushrooms.
Next, slice the mushrooms into pieces that are between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick. The thicker the slices, the longer they will take to dry. You can leave small mushrooms whole and unpeeled.
Arrange the cleaned, sliced mushrooms on dehydrator trays, ensuring that none of the pieces overlap. This allows for the best airflow and they will dry faster and more evenly. If you are using an oven, you will need to turn large pieces over every 3 to 4 hours.
Dry the mushrooms at 110-140°F (40-60°C) for 4-10 hours, depending on the thickness of the slices. They should be crispy and dry. If you are using an oven, this may take up to twice as long.
Allow the mushrooms to cool completely before storing them in glass jars with tight-fitting lids. Label the jars with the type of mushroom and the date of drying. Store the jars away from direct light or heat.
To rehydrate the mushrooms, pour boiling water over them and soak for 20-30 minutes.
It's important to note that dehydrating mushrooms is not a suitable preservation method if they are already starting to decompose. Signs of decomposition include slime, wrinkles, shrinkage, dark spots, or a bad odour.
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Pick when caps are curled down
Picking wild mushrooms at the right time is crucial to maximising future growth and getting the most out of your efforts. One of the most important factors in determining when to harvest mushrooms is observing the veil, the 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.
With most cap and stem mushrooms, you should harvest when the gills are exposed but the cap margin is still curled under. This is optimal for the quality and long-term storage of the mushroom. The harvest window can be relatively short, especially in the summer or when temperatures rise above 75 degrees. Mushrooms need to be harvested daily to ensure the highest quality unless fruiting temperatures are below 60 degrees.
Harvesting when the caps are curled down is a good rule of thumb, but it's also important to consider the condition of the veil. The right time to harvest is just before the veil tears. On a juvenile mushroom, veils are fleshy and light-coloured – usually grey-white. When the time comes for them to tear, they often darken and begin to sag. If you see any sign of darkening, it's time to harvest.
To pick the mushrooms, gently twist them or cut them at the base with a sharp knife, taking care not to disturb neighbouring mushrooms. Avoid cutting the stem, as leaving it in the growing medium can lead to rotting.
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Twist or cut at the base
There are differing opinions on whether it is best to twist or cut at the base when picking wild mushrooms. Some sources state that twisting and pulling can disturb the mycelium and affect future growth, while others claim that cutting can leave the fungus vulnerable to diseases.
Those who advocate for twisting argue that it helps to reduce damage to the mycelium network, which supports future mushroom growth. Additionally, the twist method can aid in the identification process, as it allows you to observe the base of the mushroom and other distinguishing features that might be obscured if the mushroom is forcefully removed or cut.
On the other hand, those who prefer cutting believe that it minimises disturbance to the mushroom's environment and ensures that the mycelium remains intact for future growth. They also argue that cutting is faster and more convenient, especially when harvesting a large number of mushrooms or when dealing with clusters.
Some people also suggest that the technique may depend on the species of mushroom being harvested. For example, mycorrhizal fungi, such as chanterelles, ceps, and hedgehog mushrooms, usually detach cleanly when pulled from their mycelial web, while saprophytic fungi, such as wood blewits, clouded agaric, and shaggy parasols, tend to bring a large clod of mycelium with them when pulled.
Ultimately, the decision to twist or cut at the base when picking wild mushrooms may come down to personal preference and the specific circumstances of the harvest.
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Frequently asked questions
The optimal time to harvest wild mushrooms is when the thin veil under the cap that covers the gills begins to tear open. The veil is located on the underside of the cap, and it covers the gills. On a juvenile mushroom, veils are fleshy and light-coloured – usually grey-white. When the time comes for them to tear, they often darken and begin to sag.
Rotate the mushroom a full turn and gently pull it up, taking care not to disturb neighbouring mushrooms. Avoid cutting the stem, as leaving it in the growing medium can lead to rotting.
Pick when the mushrooms reach full size or stop growing.
Fresh mushrooms removed from their mycelium will begin decaying in less than 24 hours. To preserve the mushrooms, you need to dehydrate them completely using a dehydrator.
