Our Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) fruiting block showcases a popular strain that yields medium-to-large, umbrella-shaped caps in a distinctive light brown hue. Originating from East Asia, Shiitake mushrooms are prized for their delicious flavor, described as rich, savory, buttery, and umami. This strain is known for its generous flushes, making it an excellent choice for confident beginners and intermediate growers.
Shiitake mushrooms reliably produce under consistent ambient humidity in the growing environment. However, as the block is entirely removed from the bag for fruiting, it is susceptible to drying out. Therefore, we recommend utilizing a humidity tent or a humidity-controlled fruiting chamber (such as a monotub or martha tent) to address potential moisture issues.
"5 of the Best Shiitake Mushroom Recipes"
Upon receiving your kit:
Unbox the kit promptly, unfolding the top of the bag to allow for adequate air space. Additionally, confirm that the filter patch is unobstructed, ensuring proper breathing for the organism until you are ready to initiate the growth of your fruiting block!
Scroll down for guides on cultivation, storage, cooking, and more.
Shitake Mushroom Grow Kit
Growing Guidelines:
For the majority of mushroom species, initiating fruiting, or commencing the growth cycle, requires a change in environmental conditions—specifically, adjustments in humidity, light, temperature, and variations in oxygen and CO2 levels.
For optimal outcomes:
We recommend cultivating your shiitake block in a fruiting chamber (such as a monotub or martha tent) as a controlled environment reduces contamination risks and enhances the likelihood of success.
Establishing optimal conditions:
Find the environmental parameters for shiitake on this page under the "Temp, Humidity & CO2 guide" and on page 13 of our fruiting block instruction booklet.
Preparing your block:
Allow your shiitake block time to brown in its bag at room temperature before initiating fruiting.
Initiating fruiting:
Once the block is mostly brown, refrigerate the sealed block for at least 48 hours. Remove the block from the bag and soak it in cold water for approximately 4 hours before placing it directly into your fruiting chamber. DO NOT return it to the bag, as shiitake blocks grow without one.
Special considerations:
Shiitake can be susceptible to Trichoderma (green mold). If you observe green mold, spray affected areas of the block with hydrogen peroxide 3%.
Harvesting your mushrooms:
Harvest your shiitake block just before the caps flatten. Trim flush with the block, ensuring no stem remains on the block before subsequent fruitings. Place the block back into the fruiting chamber between fruitings to prevent drying out and decrease the risk of contamination.
Cultivating different blocks together:
With some compromise, various mushroom species can be grown together in a fruiting chamber. First, consider the temperature range of the mushrooms you desire to grow, and second, the CO2 sensitivity. Humidity ranges overlap for the majority of species. We encourage you to experiment with various groupings!
