Shiitake Kit Instructions
Shiitake mushrooms are high in B vitamins, and they serve as a food source of vitamin D. Some shiitake health benefits include the ability to aid weight loss, support cardiovascular health, fight cancer cells, improve energy levels and brain function, reduce inflammation, and support the immune system.
STEP #1
1. Inside your box, observe the white mycelium eating away at the all-natural substrate. Carefully open the top of the box and remove the bag to check if your kit is ready for the next step, you should see very white substrate with bumps and/or dark brown spots. Refer to the photos below.
2. If your kit is Light brown colored or just white without any bumps or dark brown spots, place back in the box and set somewhere dark at room temperature until the kit is ready. Refer to photos below.
Light Bown/Whispy White
NOT READY, Place Block Back in Box and Let Sit At Room Temperature Until Ready. Be patient, this process can take 1.5 - 2 months.
White WITHOUT Bumps
NOT READY, Place Block Back in Box and Let Sit At Room Temperature Until Ready. You Want Puffy White Bumps On your Kit With Dark Brown Spotting.
White Bumps/Brown Spots
White Bumps with Dark Brown Spots = Ready To Move On To Step #2 , a little liquid developing in your kit in totally normal.
3. If the block is not ready, place it back in the box and set it somewhere at room temperature. Check every other day until the kit is white with brown bumps . Be patient, this process can take 1.5-2 months.
4. Fully colonized kits can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 months or 2 weeks most at room temperature.
Step #2
1. Place your grow kit in the refrigerator for 24 hours before use to induce pinning (Baby Mushrooms).
2. With clean hands remove the block from its bag and place it on a plate or cookie sheet to help catch any excess water or debris.
3. Place in your house somewhere out of direct sunlight but not in the dark (reading light), slightly cooler than room temperatures (around 60 degrees preferred).
Step #3
1. Mist your kit 3-4 times per day until you see pins (Baby Mushrooms).Shiitake like temperatures between 55-75 degrees and high humidity but not soaked.
2. After pinning occurs (within 1-2 weeks), mist 2-3 times daily.
Using a Tent
- Consider using a humidity tent or a room humidifier for easier cultivation, especially in dry conditions. Make sure you leave plenty of breathing holes in your bag/tent if making your own. Grocery bag, gallon bag, ect….. We also offer humidity tents on our website.
- Our Tent
Step #4
1. Harvest your shiitake before their caps flatten completely. Use a knife/scissors to separate the mushroom from its log. Soak overnight for a chance at a second harvest.
2. Used blocks can be composted or placed outside in the shade for a chance at a second life.