How to Magically Grow Golden Mushrooms in Just 12 Days!

Mushroom cultivation is an exciting and rewarding process, especially when you can witness their growth in less than two weeks! This guide walks through the entire process of growing golden mushrooms using a simple growth kit. With proper preparation and daily care, you can achieve an abundant harvest of over 200 grams in the first flush. Let’s dive into the details!

Step 1: Preparing the Growth Environment

1.1 Disinfecting the Tools and Workspace

To ensure a contamination-free environment:

• Use a clean vessel and disinfect it by boiling water in it for 5-6 minutes.
• After boiling, pour the water into another set of clean vessels for further disinfection.
• Wash hands thoroughly and use gloves before handling the growth kit.
• Wipe all surfaces, including the table, with alcohol-based disinfectants to remove any potential contaminants.

1.2 Hydrating the Growth Kit

• Once the vessel is clean, remove all water and pour mineral or spring water into it while it’s still hot.
• Boil the water again and refill the vessels.
• Open the mushroom growth kit carefully, ensuring that the package remains sterile.
• Pour the disinfected water into the kit to hydrate the substrate. It should absorb around 200ml (one cup) of water.
• After soaking for 30 minutes to an hour, drain out excess water and seal the package tightly.

Step 2: Incubation and Initial Growth

2.1 Creating the Right Conditions

• Place the kit in a breathable bag that allows gas exchange.
• Pour water along the sides of the bag, ensuring the substrate remains moist but not overly soaked.
• The ideal temperature for golden mushrooms is between 17°C and 22°C.
• Keep the bag in an area with indirect sunlight and let it rest for 5-8 days until you start seeing the first mushroom pins.

2.2 Daily Care and Maintenance

• Once the first pins appear, exchange air 2-3 times per day by opening the bag for 30 seconds.
• If condensation is not forming inside the bag, increase humidity by lightly spraying boiled water on the sides of the bag.
• If the mushrooms are growing too thick, it indicates that they have ample oxygen; if they are thin and elongated, they require more fresh air.

Step 3: Harvesting and Post-Harvest Care

3.1 Identifying the Right Harvest Time

• By Day 4, mushrooms will take shape, and by Day 5-6, they will experience their largest growth phase.
• The best time to harvest is before the ring skirt breaks and spores drop.
• To harvest:
  • Use a sterilized knife to cut mushrooms at the base.
  • Alternatively, twist them gently at the lowest portion to avoid damaging the growth kit.

3.2 Maximizing Growth Kit Potential

• The same kit can be reused for up to 5 flushes, though 3 flushes are the most common.
• After harvesting, repeat the hydration and incubation process to grow another batch in 12-15 days.

Step 4: Drying and Storing Mushrooms

4.1 Drying Methods

• Proper drying ensures long-term preservation of mushrooms.
• If a professional dehydrator is unavailable, use an oven or air fryer at 60°C for 3-4 hours.
• After heating, allow the mushrooms to air-dry using a fan for an additional 8 hours.
• Drying overnight is cost-efficient as electricity rates are lower.

4.2 Storing for Longevity

• Store dried mushrooms in airtight containers to prevent moisture absorption.
• Keep them in a cool, dark place to maintain potency and quality.

Conclusion

Growing golden mushrooms is a fulfilling experience, requiring only a few minutes of daily care. With the right conditions, you can enjoy multiple flushes from a single kit, ensuring a steady supply of fresh mushrooms. Whether for culinary experiments or scientific curiosity, following these steps will set you on the path to successful mushroom cultivation!