Emma Wilson
There are several considerations to make when deciding when to pull mushrooms. Firstly, it is important to distinguish between cultivated and wild mushrooms, as well as the desired outcome of the harvest. In terms of technique, there are three main methods: pulling, cutting, and twisting. Cutting is a popular method for wild mushrooms in North America as it does not disturb the root system, but pulling has gained popularity due to its potential for higher yields over time. For cultivated mushrooms, the timing of the harvest is crucial. The goal is to harvest just before the pin develops into a fruiting body, as mature mushrooms are preferable to young ones. Harvesting too late can result in the mushroom releasing its spores, which causes the mushroom to turn black and lose its potency. However, harvesting a few days earlier is generally recommended to avoid this risk.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Harvesting technique | Pulling, cutting, picking, or twisting |
| Harvesting time | Before the pinning process or within a few days after it begins |
| Harvesting time | Before the veil breaks |
| Harvesting time | Before the mushroom reaches full maturity |
| Harvesting time | Before the mushroom opens up and becomes a fully fruiting body |
| Harvesting time | Before the mushroom releases its spores |
| Harvesting time | Before the mushroom turns black |
| Harvesting time | Before the mushroom starts to open and the round hat releases from the stem |
| Storage | Drying mushrooms using air circulation and a warm spot |
| Storage | Freezing dried mushrooms in airtight containers or plastic bags |
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What You'll Learn
Harvesting magic mushrooms: when to pick
Harvesting magic mushrooms is a time-sensitive process. The ideal time to harvest is right before the pin develops into a fruiting body. This happens in a matter of days—usually within 72 hours or three days at most. If you wait too long, the veil will break, causing spores to be distributed over the mushroom bed, which can inhibit growth.
The pinning process involves creating a highly humid environment to cause little white pins to emerge from the casing. Once these pins start to form, they will quickly grow into mushrooms. The goal is to harvest before the pins develop into full fruiting bodies.
When harvesting, it is important to use clean hands and avoid breathing on the mushrooms, as this can contaminate the kit with bacteria. It is also recommended to dry the mushrooms before storing them. This can be done by placing them on kitchen paper and directing a fan at them at a temperature of 25-30°C. They should be completely dry before storing them in airtight containers or plastic bags.
There are differing opinions on whether to pick or cut mushrooms. Some people prefer to pick the entire mushroom, arguing that cutting can leave a stump that acts as a disease vector when it rots. Others prefer cutting, as it results in a higher yield and doesn't cause as much disruption to the mycelium underground. However, a careful balance must be struck, as pulling too hard can also remove too much substrate and mycelium.
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Harvesting techniques: pulling vs cutting
Pulling vs cutting—a topic that has sparked heated exchanges among foragers. The debate centres around whether it is better to cut the fruit bodies of mushrooms off where they join the ground or to twist and pull them from the mycelium.
Some argue that cutting is preferable as it minimises disturbance to the mycelium, the part of the fungus that will continue to produce mushrooms. Cutting prevents damage to the delicate mycelium and avoids leaving a residual stump that could rot and infect it. However, others counter that certain types of mushrooms, such as mycorrhizal fungi, tend to detach cleanly when pulled, making this method less risky in terms of potential contamination. Additionally, pulling may offer a larger yield and lower risk of disease transmission compared to cutting.
Proponents of pulling also argue that the presence of a residual stump after cutting can deprive you of extra bites of the mushroom and leave the fungus vulnerable to diseases. They contend that the stump is a single-use structure that will rot away, and pulling ensures you get the most out of your harvest.
While the debate rages on, studies suggest that the technique may not significantly impact the fungus's ability to produce mushrooms in the future. A 27-year study found no difference in the abundance of fruiting bodies or species richness between harvested and non-harvested sites, regardless of the harvesting method. Similarly, a 35-year German study concluded that it doesn't matter if you cut or pull out the mushroom; the weather and environment are more crucial factors for the fungi.
However, it is essential to consider other factors when harvesting mushrooms. The timing of the harvest is critical, as missing the ideal window can affect the quality of your mushrooms. Proper handling, drying, and storage techniques are also necessary to ensure the mushrooms remain in good condition after harvesting.
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How to store mushrooms after harvesting
Storing mushrooms after harvesting is a tricky task as they are prone to quick spoilage due to their high water content. Here are some ways to store mushrooms after harvesting:
Refrigeration
Refrigeration is a common method for storing mushrooms. It is important to get the harvested mushrooms into refrigerated storage as soon as possible, ideally within an hour of picking. Mushrooms should be stored in a cool (41°F), dry, and dark place. Paper bags are a good option for storing mushrooms in the refrigerator as they allow for some air circulation and prevent the mushrooms from drying out. However, it is important to not overcrowd the bag as this can restrict airflow and cause the mushrooms to spoil. Wax-lined cardboard boxes are another option for storing mushrooms in the refrigerator. It is recommended to not store mushrooms in airtight containers or plastic bags as this can trap moisture and cause the mushrooms to spoil.
Drying
Drying mushrooms is another effective storage method as it reduces their size and makes them easier to transport. To dry mushrooms, place them on kitchen paper and direct a fan at them to provide a constant airflow. At a temperature of 25-30°C, the mushrooms should be completely dry in a few days. Once dry, the mushrooms can be stored in airtight containers or plastic bags in a cool, dry, and dark place. Freezing dried mushrooms is said to be the best method for long-term storage.
Honey
Chopping the mushroom into smaller pieces and storing them in honey is another option for long-term storage. It is important to write down the contents (weight) of mushrooms added per unit of honey to avoid dosage mishaps.
Prevention of Spores
Mushrooms reproduce by releasing spores, which are found under the cap of the hat. Once the spores are released, the mushrooms will turn black and lose their potency. To prevent this, it is important to harvest the mushrooms before the veil breaks and the spores are released. Accelerating the drying process of the mushrooms by using a heat mat can also help prevent the release of spores.
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How to create the right environment for growing mushrooms
Creating the right environment for growing mushrooms is a delicate process. Mushrooms are highly sensitive to their surroundings, and even a few hours can make a difference between a successful harvest and a spoiled one. Here are some detailed instructions to help you create the ideal environment for mushroom cultivation:
Composting
The first step is to prepare the compost, which will serve as the growing medium for your mushrooms. The most commonly used and cost-effective compost for mushroom farming is wheat straw-bedded horse manure. You can also opt for synthetic compost, typically made from hay and wheat straw. To enhance the compost, add nitrogen supplements and a conditioning agent like gypsum, which reduces greasiness and improves aeration. Store wheat straw under cover to prevent the growth of unwanted fungi and bacteria.
Spawning
After preparing the compost, it's time to introduce the mushroom spawn or spores. Spawning is the process of distributing the spores evenly over the compost. It is crucial to obtain high-quality spores from a reputable supplier to ensure healthy mushroom growth. The substrate, or growing medium, must provide the right mix of nutrients, including sugar, starch, lignin, fats, protein, and nitrogen.
Casing
Once the spawn has been introduced, cover the compost with a layer of damp newspaper to maintain moisture. The temperature during these initial weeks should be maintained at around 23°C/73°F. When the mycelium, the thread-like network of fungi, starts to grow and cover the surface, remove the newspaper and wet the surface well. Then, apply a layer of casing, which can be a different material, such as soil or another type of compost.
Pinning
The pinning process is a critical phase in mushroom growth. It involves creating an extremely humid environment to trigger the formation of little white pins or pinheads. Maintain high humidity by routinely misting the mushroom bed without overwatering. This phase is time-sensitive, and you must carefully monitor the development of the pins to ensure optimal growth.
Cropping
The final phase is cropping, or harvesting, your mushrooms. The ideal time to harvest is just before the pins develop into full fruiting bodies, which happens quickly, usually within 72 hours of pinning. Harvesting too late can result in the mushrooms releasing their spores, turning them black and rendering them useless. Therefore, it is crucial to time your harvest carefully to avoid missing the ideal window.
Remember to maintain a clean environment throughout the process to prevent contamination, and ensure proper airflow and temperature control to create the right environment for your mushrooms to thrive.
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How to know when mushrooms are ready for harvesting
Knowing when to harvest mushrooms is a fine art. The process of growing mushrooms is extraordinarily time-sensitive and subject to volatility. The goal is to harvest the mushrooms right before the pin develops into a fruiting body, which happens in a matter of days.
The pinning process entails creating a proper and extremely humid environment to cause little white pins to emerge from the casing. Once these pins start to form, they will quickly grow into mushrooms. The best time to harvest the mushrooms is when the hats have not fully opened and they still have a nice round head. When a mushroom has reached its maximum size, it will start to open within a few days. The round hat will release itself from the stem and acquire a hat-shaped form.
If you wait too long, the mushroom will release its spores, and they will turn black and lose their power. By letting the mushrooms open up and become fully fruited bodies, you risk having the veil break open, causing spores to be distributed over other mushrooms growing in the casing. It is also a common mistake to remove the large mushrooms first, leaving the smaller ones to continue growing. This will not increase the harvest and you risk contamination of your grow kit.
The debate over which mushroom harvesting technique—picking, cutting, pulling, or twisting—is better is ongoing. Those who prefer picking wild mushrooms argue that cutting can leave a stump that acts as a disease vector when it rots. Proponents of cutting say that it results in a higher yield and doesn't cause too much disruption to the mycelium underground. Cutting is also said to prevent the risk of damaging the cake and leaving room for new growth. However, cutting can be tedious and leave a stump that can become infected by pathogens. Pulling can also remove too much substrate and mycelium. Twisting removes the entire stem and minimises mycelium/substrate removal.
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Frequently asked questions
Pull mushrooms when the hats have not fully opened and they still have a nice round head. Mushrooms should be mature, not young.
If you wait too long, the mushrooms will release their spores and turn black.
Little can go wrong if you harvest a bit too early. However, some people like to wait until the veil just starts to break to harvest, as they believe this is when potency is at its highest level.
Some people prefer pulling mushrooms over cutting them because it results in a higher yield and does not disturb the root system. However, pulling can damage the mycelium and cake. Cutting, on the other hand, can leave a stump that acts as a disease vector when it rots.
Mushrooms contain about 90% water, so drying them is an excellent method for storage and transport. To dry mushrooms, place them on kitchen paper and direct a fan at them. At a temperature of 25-30°C, they should be dry in a few days. Store dried mushrooms in an airtight container or plastic bag in a dark spot.
