STEP 1: Prepare your working area in a room with minimal air movement to lower the risk of contamination. Begin by thoroughly wiping down the injection port on the mushroom grow bag using an alcohol wipe or a solution of 70% alcohol. Once the port is cleaned, use a syringe to inject 5-10ml of your chosen culture into the prepared port. After completing the injection, carefully place the bag in an environment that consistently maintains a temperature range of 70-75°F. This controlled temperature is essential for the subsequent stages of mushroom growth, fostering optimal conditions for mycelium colonization and development.
STEP 2: After 3-5 days, observe the emergence of white mycelial growth within the bag. Once approximately 50% of the bags shows colonization, initiate the next step by gently breaking and shaking the mycelium mass. This action serves to effectively mix and distribute the mycelium throughout the remaining substrate in the bag. The goal is to ensure uniform colonization and optimize the conditions for robust mushroom development.
STEP 3: After 14-25 days, you'll observe the initial signs of primordial growth, indicating the onset of mushroom formation on the substrate's surface. To enhance fresh air exchange, create a small hole, approximately the size of a pen, a few inches below the filter. This step promotes optimal conditions for mushroom development..
STEP 4: As the mushrooms mature, the caps will gradually separate from the stems, revealing the veil - the tissue connecting the cap and stem. Once the veil begins to break, the mushrooms are ready for harvest. You can harvest them by either carefully cutting the base of the stem with a knife or scissors, or by simply grasping the base and gently twisting and pulling the mushrooms. Choose the method that suits your preference, ensuring a clean and efficient harvest.
STEP 5: After harvesting, the mushrooms need to undergo the dehydration process. You can achieve this by using a dedicated dehydrator or an oven with a temperature setting of 115°F. Ensure the mushrooms are dried thoroughly until they reach a "cracker dry" consistency. The drying duration may vary, taking approximately 12-24 hours, contingent on factors such as the size of the mushrooms and the efficiency of the dehydrator and/or oven. Regularly monitor the progress to achieve the desired dryness.