Growing Reishi mushrooms

Growing Reishi mushrooms can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, are highly valued for their medicinal properties and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. If you’re interested in cultivating Reishi mushrooms, here is a step-by-step guide on how to grow them:

1. Choose the Growing Method:
  There are two common methods for growing Reishi mushrooms: using a spawn or using a Reishi mushroom kit. The spawn method involves growing the mushrooms from spores, while the kit method involves using pre-inoculated substrate blocks. Choose the method that suits your preferences and resources.

2. Prepare the Growing Environment:
  Reishi mushrooms thrive in a controlled environment with specific temperature, humidity, and light conditions. Create a growing space that mimics the natural conditions required by Reishi mushrooms. A temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F) and a humidity level of 80-90% are ideal for their growth. Use a humidifier or misting system to maintain the humidity levels. Additionally, ensure that the growing space receives indirect light or low-intensity artificial light.

3. Select the Growing Medium:
  Reishi mushrooms can be grown on various substrates, including hardwood logs, sawdust, wood chips, or straw. Choose a substrate that is readily available and suitable for your growing method. If using a Reishi mushroom kit, the substrate will already be provided.

4. Prepare the Substrate:
  If you are using a spawn, sterilize the substrate to prevent contamination. This can be done by boiling, steaming, or preferably using a pressure cooker. Once sterilized, allow the substrate to cool down before proceeding to the next step. If using a Reishi mushroom kit, follow the instructions provided.

5. Inoculate the Substrate:
  If using a spawn, sprinkle the Reishi mushroom spores onto the cooled substrate. Ensure even distribution of the spores. If using a kit, follow the instructions provided for inoculating the substrate blocks.

6. Maintain Optimal Conditions:
  Monitor and maintain the temperature, humidity, and light levels in the growing environment. Regularly mist the growing area to maintain high humidity. Keep the temperature within the recommended range and provide indirect or low-intensity light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can be harmful to the mushrooms.

7. Patience and Care:
  Reishi mushrooms are slow growers, and it may take several weeks or even months before you see significant growth. Be patient and continue to provide the necessary care and maintenance. Monitor the moisture levels and adjust as needed. Remove any competing molds or fungi that may appear.

8. Harvesting:
  Reishi mushrooms are ready to harvest when they reach their full size and develop a woody texture. The cap should be fully opened, and the spores should be visible. Carefully cut the mushrooms at the base using a clean knife or scissors. Harvesting at the right time ensures maximum medicinal potency.

9. If using a kit, you can let them grow as long as you want within the bag and you will have antlers, but if you want a full cap, you will need to cut open the top to let more oxygen in for the cap to form.

10. Drying and Storage:
   Once harvested, dry the Reishi mushrooms to preserve their medicinal properties. Place them in a well-ventilated area with low humidity. You can use a dehydrator, an oven set at a low temperature, or air drying methods. Once fully dried, store the mushrooms in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

11. How I process, is cut them into smaller pieces and put in a pressure cooker with enough water to barely cover the top of the mushrooms. Pressure cook for 45 minutes, let cool, then put in a strong blender to emulsify. Pour onto a dehydrator fruit leather sheet, then dehydrate on the lowest temperature. After dried to a crackle, grind it up and you will have a fluffy powder for tea’s or to add to your drink or food.

Remember, growing Reishi mushrooms requires patience, attention to detail, and maintaining optimal growing conditions. Following these steps will help you successfully cultivate these valuable mushrooms and enjoy their health benefits.