Asian style cuisine is on the rise in the UK and many people like to cook using authentic oriental ingredients. Shiitake mushrooms have a meaty or smokey flavour and their firm texture makes them popular in dishes like stir-fries, soups and gravy. Follow this simple method below to learn just how easy it is to grow your own exotic mushrooms.
Before You Begin
Shiitake mushrooms are best when started off between April and August, this gives time for the mycelium to form before the Autumn which is the natural time for Shiitake to 'fruit'.
You'll need to buy some Shiitake Mushroom Spores personally I prefer it when the spawn is in grain rather than impregnated in the wooden dowels, as I seem to get better results. The grain doesn't do anything other than just carry the shittake spores but makes handling much easier.
Make sure you have clean hands and tools before you start as you don't want to introduce any additional fungus spores to the mix.
You'll also need a couple of logs from a broad leaved tree; beech, birch and oak are the best choices, but definitely avoid using conifers. Use a freshly cut log about 15cm in diameter and around 40 - 50cm long. If you can't get hold of some logs, you can buy Mushroom Growing Boards.
The Shiitake will grow quicker if you're using mushroom boards, but they'll grow for longer in you use a log.
Sowing the Mushrooms
If you've chosen to grow your mushrooms using a log, you'll need to split the log length ways. Again, remember to have clean hands and tools as contamination can spoil results.
If you're using growing boards, leave them to soak in tepid water for about 15 minutes, then allow them to drain in an empty sink for about 5 minutes.
Spread the grain which carries the Shiitake spores evenly on the cut side of one half of the log or on two mushroom growing boards.
Sandwich the two parts of the log back together with the grain in the middle or if using boards, sandwich them together like a club sandwich. Tie your log or boards together with string to prevent the two parts from slipping apart.
Put the log or mushroom boards into a clear plastic bag and loosely tie it. The bag shouldn't be tight around the boards or the log, to allow air and moisture to circulate.
Forming the Mycelium
The mycelium is a mushrooms root system, which needs to be strong for the Shiitake to be able to fruit. It looks like a whitish mould with red patches.
After you've prepared your log or growing boards. Put the plastic bag somewhere dark and around 25°C to incubate the mushroom spawn. This usually takes around 2 months.
During this time, the mycelium will impregnate the log or the boards and a white woolly mould with reddy brown patches will appear on the surface.
Growing the Mushrooms
Take the mycelium covered log or boards out of the bag and re-tie if necessary.
You can grow the mushrooms indoors or outdoors now, I'm a fan of the outdoor method as Shiitake require much less attention when outside, although the mushrooms take a little longer to form.
If you're growing on indoors the log or boards need somewhere light but not in direct sunlight. Keep away from strong draughts. Make sure your log or boards don't dry out, they'll need misting and watering with clean water. If it does dry out - game over. Ideally the temperature should be between 12 and 25ºC
To grow on outdoors, plant the log or boards in a sheltered position with approximately 3/4 of the log or boards underground. Mushrooms generally form during the Autumn and Spring rains, but again try to keep them between 12 and 25ºC and protect from frosts. The log or boards should still be kept moist, but this is much easier to do in a garden.
Harvesting
The Shiitake will grow during the Autumn and Spring months and can carry on for up to 3 years (less with boards). Pick the mushrooms while they're still young and before the caps completely unfurl.
Keep the fresh mushrooms refrigerated in a paper bag for up to 14 days.
Drying
You can dry any surplus shiitake by putting them in an oven at 90ºC overnight with the oven door open slightly. You can then keep them for up to 12 months in an air tight container.
A Word of Caution
When picking your mushrooms always check you have the correct variety, incase contamination occurred. Some people are allergic to mushrooms or their spores and could be sensitive to high concentrations.
