Mushrooms and Mushroom Farming

Mushrooms are grown from spores, are called fungi, and have been cultivated for hundreds of years. People have picked wild mushrooms as food and cultivation of mushrooms began as far back as 1100 AD if not even earlier. However, there is an easier and more fun way of obtaining and growing mushrooms.

Mushroom kits are a great gift for the mushroom lover in your family. Instead of getting Uncle Joe a tie, letting him grow his favorite mushroom is a much better option. If your Dad is especially fond of lobster, try one of the Lion's Mane mushrooms and he will know he is very special. The added benefit is that several species of mushrooms are said to have anti-cancer and anti-viral properties. They are a great source of protein and fiber and have little fat. Growing your own mushrooms is easy and it does not take very long to reap your harvest.

All types of mushrooms can be grown at home from common to gourmet. Portabella, white mushrooms, Lion's Mane, Shiitake, and Crimini (also used to describe Portabella mushrooms in the button size), along with a host of other varieties are easy to find and can be purchased through the internet or from a local nursery. Many of these will begin growing mushrooms within 10 days after following instructions to initialize the growing medium.

My favorite is the Portabella (also called Portobello), a mushroom that has a thick semi rough cap, stem, and is tan to brown in color and is probably the most expensive kit. The Portabella is used by many cooks as a meat substitute and it has a meaty flavor. The cap itself can be any size from a small button to over six inches wide. The entire mushroom can be eaten and is great grilled, sauteed, roasted, or even cooked in the microwave. They can be used as the main dish or as appetizers and, of course, as a topping on pizzas.

Although it is very easy to grow mushrooms via kits that are already inoculated with a specific mushroom culture of spores called "spawn" (the equivalent of seeds for other plants), growing large amounts, or going into full time farming is a bit more complicated. Even though it is relatively simple to grow them in your own composted area or on logs outside and certainly more economical to use a kit, if you are interested in growing mushrooms commercially, there are many factors to take into account, one being that the cost for bulk spawn or cultures is quite expensive. It is also a labor-intensive endeavor and not as easy as growing a few pounds in your home.

Nonetheless, if you are interested in "farming" mushrooms, one of the best sites for general farming information is located at Mushroom Farming, a website for the Fruits n Vegetables that has resources and videos. Books on mushroom farming can be found at most libraries and your local agricultural center.

With a kit, you get a box of special compost, block, or log that has been pre-inoculated with the mushroom of your choice. It can be grown right on the kitchen counter or outside. Each kit has the potential to grow several pounds of mushrooms and you can pick them as they mature.

As with any vegetable, make sure the mushrooms are clean before eating. A small brush and very little water is all that is required.

Sources:

Portabella Mushrooms

Mushroom Farming, Fruits n Vegetables.com

Growing Mushrooms Commercially - Risks and Opportunities, Danny L. Barney