Laura Smith
Mushroom spawn is a living, breathing organism that requires proper storage to stay fresh and healthy. It is a critical input in mushroom cultivation, providing the mycelium, or living fungal culture, that vegetates mushrooms. Spawn typically comes in bags, boxes, or bottles and can be stored in a refrigerator or a dark spot at room temperature, depending on how soon it will be used. Proper airflow, humidity, and protection from direct sunlight are essential to maintaining the viability of mushroom spawn. With the right conditions and care, mushroom growers can successfully cultivate mushrooms from spawn.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 0–2 °C (32–36 °F) |
| Air circulation | Required; open the refrigerator for about 1 minute each day |
| Sunlight | Avoid direct sunlight |
| Moisture | Mist the spawn a couple of times a day to keep it moist |
| Packaging | Original packaging is best; if not available, use a plastic sandwich bag |
| Storage duration | 2-4 months; up to 6 months for plug spawn |
| Storage location | Refrigerator or a dark spot at room temperature |
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What You'll Learn
Keep mushroom spawn in its original packaging
If you're not planning on using your mushroom spawn immediately, it's important to store it properly to keep it fresh. One option is to leave the spawn in its original packaging. The original packaging is designed to protect the spawn and maintain its freshness. Typically, spawn packaging consists of a single plastic bag, although some spawn comes double-bagged. In this case, you should remove the outer bag and use only the inner bag for storage.
If you no longer have the original packaging, you can use a plastic sandwich bag. However, it's important to note that some spawn manufacturers provide specific storage instructions, so always follow their recommendations if available. Additionally, some types of spawn, such as Pink Oyster and Almond Agaricus, cannot be refrigerated and should be stored at room temperature.
When storing mushroom spawn, it's crucial to avoid direct sunlight, as it can damage or even kill the spawn. Proper airflow is also essential, whether the spawn is stored in a refrigerator or at room temperature. If stored in a refrigerator, open the door for about a minute each day to allow for air circulation, ensuring that sunlight does not shine into the fridge. If stored at room temperature, loosely tie the bag closed to enable the spawn to breathe, as airtight storage is not suitable for mushroom spawn.
By following these guidelines and storing the mushroom spawn in its original packaging, you can help ensure that the spawn remains viable and fresh until you are ready to use it. Proper storage conditions can extend the lifespan of the spawn, allowing it to stay fresh for up to several months.
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Store in a cool, dark place
If you're planning on using your mushroom spawn within a day or two, it's best to store it in a dark spot at room temperature. Keeping the spawn in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, will ensure it stays fresh for use. Direct sunlight can damage or even kill the spawn, so avoid placing the bag near windows.
It is important to note that some mushroom spawn varieties, such as Pink Oyster and Almond Agaricus, cannot be refrigerated. These types should be stored in a dark, cool location at room temperature and used within a month.
If you're not planning on using the spawn within a couple of days, refrigeration is recommended. Place the spawn in a refrigerator set to 0–2 °C (32–36 °F) for long-term storage. Make sure to leave some space around the bag for proper airflow, about 10 cm (3.9 in).
Additionally, remember to provide adequate air circulation during storage to keep the spawn viable. Loosely tie the bag closed to allow the spawn to breathe, as airtight storage is not suitable.
By following these storage guidelines, you can keep your mushroom spawn fresh and viable for up to several months.
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Refrigerate for long-term storage
If you're not planning on using mushroom spawn within a couple of days, it's best to refrigerate it for long-term storage. The ideal temperature for storing mushroom spawn in a refrigerator is 0–2 °C (32–36 °F). Make sure to leave about 10 cm (3.9 in) of space around the bag if your refrigerator is full, to ensure proper airflow.
It's important to note that some types of mushroom spawn, such as Pink Oyster, Almond Agaricus, and Pestalotiopsis microspora, cannot be refrigerated and should be stored at room temperature. These types of spawn should be used within one month of receipt.
When refrigerating mushroom spawn, it's crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper storage. The spawn should be kept in its original packaging, which is designed to protect and keep it fresh. If you don't have the original packaging, you can use a plastic sandwich bag. Tie the bag closed loosely to allow the spawn to breathe, as airtight storage is not suitable for mushroom spawn.
In the right storage conditions, mushroom spawn will typically stay fresh for 2-4 months. However, plug and sawdust spawn can last longer, up to six months to a year in the refrigerator.
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Avoid direct sunlight
When storing mushroom spawn, it is important to avoid direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can damage or even kill the spawn. This is because mushrooms are susceptible to drying out when exposed to direct sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to store spawn in a dark spot, away from windows, to ensure it stays viable.
Mushrooms do not require light for the initial mycelium colonisation phase and can grow in the dark. However, they do need light during the fruiting stage for proper development and to generate the energy needed for metabolic activities. Light also affects the colour, shape, and overall yield of mushrooms.
While some mushrooms, such as wild wine caps and elm oysters, can tolerate partial or full sunlight, they are exceptions to the rule. Most mushrooms grow best in shady locations with indirect or filtered sunlight. For example, wine caps won't fruit in areas with dense shade, but they still require a humid environment to thrive.
When storing mushroom spawn, it is crucial to maintain proper airflow and ventilation while keeping it away from direct sunlight. This can be achieved by loosely tying the bag of spawn closed and ensuring it is not placed in an airtight container. Additionally, the spawn should be misted a couple of times a day to maintain moisture without creating an overly humid environment, which can lead to bacterial growth.
By following these guidelines and avoiding direct sunlight, you can effectively store mushroom spawn and create optimal conditions for mushroom growth.
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Maintain humidity and airflow
Maintaining the right humidity and airflow is crucial for successful mushroom growth. Mushrooms are highly sensitive to changes in their environment, and a consistent level of humidity is critical for their development. Humidity is important because it affects the ability of mushrooms to absorb water through their cell walls. If the humidity is too low, the mushrooms may dry out and fail to develop properly. On the other hand, if the humidity is too high, it can promote the growth of harmful bacteria, fungi, and moulds that can compete with the mushrooms for resources and cause disease.
To maintain the ideal humidity level, there are several methods you can use. One simple and effective way is to use a humidifier in your grow room. Choose a humidifier that is appropriate for the size of your grow room. You can also use misting spray bottles, pond misters, or fans to increase humidity. Additionally, it is important to monitor humidity levels with a humidity sensor placed at the same level as the mushroom-growing substrate for the most accurate readings. This will allow you to adjust the humidity and ventilation as needed to create an optimal environment for your mushrooms.
It is worth noting that different species of mushrooms have different humidity requirements, but in general, the ideal humidity level for mushroom cultivation is between 85% and 95%. When growing mushrooms, it is also important to remember that they need airflow to stay healthy. Make sure to provide air circulation during storage and avoid placing them near windows or in direct sunlight, as this can damage or even kill the spawn. If you are using a container for your mushrooms, be sure to punch holes in it to allow for proper airflow.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal temperature for storing mushroom spawn is between 0–2 °C (32–36 °F).
Mushroom spawn can be stored for 2-4 months in the right conditions.
Mushroom spawn should be stored in its original packaging, in a dark spot, with good airflow.
Store the spawn in a dark spot at room temperature.
Place the spawn in a refrigerator set to 0–2 °C (32–36 °F) for long-term storage.
