Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus), also known as wig mushroom, is a unique mushroom known for its health benefits and culinary uses. Harvesting this mushroom at the right time is crucial to ensure the best quality and taste. In this blog post we discuss how to grow, harvest, prepare Lion's Mane and where you can buy this special mushroom.
How Do I Grow Lion's Mane?
Preparation
Growing Lion's Mane starts with the right preparation. Preferably start in early spring, indoors, to be able to properly monitor the environment. You will need the following materials:
- Lion's Mane spores or a breeding kit
- A grow bag or pot
- Sterile soil
- A plant sprayer to maintain humidity
- A warm, dark place for initial growth
Steps to Grow
- Sterile Environment: Make sure the environment you introduce the spores into is sterile to prevent contamination.
- Inoculation: Add the Lion's Mane spores to the grow bag or pot filled with sterile soil.
- Maintain Humidity: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering to prevent mold growth.
- Initial Storage: Store the grow bag or jar in a warm, dark place to promote initial mycelial growth.
- Light Exposure: Once the mycelium is established, move the setup to a brighter location to promote fruiting.
Indoor Growing
Growing indoors has several advantages, including precise control over temperature, light and humidity, and avoidance of outdoor pests and diseases. You need:
- Grow lights
- A thermometer to monitor the temperature
- A humidifier to maintain humidity
- A fan for air circulation
Outdoor Growing
If you choose to grow outdoors, move the setup outside from mid-May when temperatures are more stable. Choose a spot with partial shade to protect the mushrooms from direct sunlight. Use a mini greenhouse or cloche to protect the mushrooms from bad weather conditions and ensure good drainage to prevent flooding.
How Do You Eat Lion's Mane?
Lion's Mane mushrooms are not only healthy, but also delicious in various dishes. They have a unique, slightly sweet taste and a texture reminiscent of lobster or crab. Here are some ways to prepare Lion's Mane:
- Stir-frying: Slice the mushrooms and stir-fry with garlic, onion and your favorite vegetables.
- Soups and Stews: Add Lion's Mane to soups and stews for extra flavor and nutritional value.
- Grilling: Brush the mushrooms with olive oil and grill until golden brown and crispy.
- Tea: Make a healthy tea by steeping dried Lion's Mane mushrooms in hot water.
What does Lion's Mane taste like?
Lion's Mane has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that is often compared to seafood such as lobster or crab. The texture is meaty and juicy, making it an excellent meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes. Its taste and texture make it a versatile mushroom that can be used in many different recipes.
Where do I buy Lion's Mane?
You can buy Lion's Mane mushrooms at specialty stores, farmers' markets and online. Toshifarm offers high-quality, organic Lion's Mane grow kits and supplements that are easy to use and guarantee a successful harvest. Our products are designed to support both beginners and experienced growers in growing their own mushrooms.
Harvesting Lion's Mane
Best Time to Harvest
The Lion's Mane mushroom is best harvested when the first "teeth" begin to emerge. This is an indication that the mushroom has fully grown. It is important to harvest the mushrooms when the hairs are about an inch long and hanging well on the fruiting body. This moment usually occurs within 5 to 10 days after pin formation, depending on humidity and temperature.
Methods of Harvesting
- Preparation:
- Leave the growing block in the bag and do not open it.
- Press the remaining air out of the bag and fold the remaining flap around the block. Use an elastic band to secure the flap.
- Make a cut of up to 5 cm at the top of the bag with a sharp knife to activate the block.
- Placement:
- Place the block in a humid environment, such as the bathroom or a grow room with controlled humidity.
- Keep the block away from direct sunlight and ensure that it remains moist by placing a transparent pedal bin bag over the block. Do not close the bag completely to allow oxygen to enter.
- Growth and Harvest:
- Within 2 weeks of making the opening, the Lion's Mane mushrooms will start growing.
- Keep a close eye on the mushrooms and harvest them when they form nice, full bunches and the hairs are approximately one centimeter long.
- Avoid allowing the mushrooms to remain on the grow kit for too long, which could cause them to turn brown.
- After the First Harvest:
- Each subsequent harvest will be smaller, but can still produce a nice result.
- Put the block away with a plastic pedal bin bag around it and the grow kit will start up again automatically.
Harvest stages
1. Incubation Phase:
- Temperature: 21-24°C
- Humidity: 95 – 100%
- Duration: 10 – 14 days
- CO2: 5,000 – 40,000 ppm
- Fresh Air: 1 per hour
- Light: N/A
2. Primordia Phase:
- Temperature: 10 – 15.6°C
- Humidity: 95 – 100%
- Duration: 3 – 5 days
- CO2: 500-700 ppm
- Fresh Air: 5 – 8 per hour
- Light: 500 – 1,000 lux (6500 kelvin)
3. Fruit Phase:
- Temperature: 18 – 24°C
- Humidity: 90 – 95%
- Duration: 4 – 5 days
- CO2: <1,000 ppm
- Fresh Air: 4 – 8 per hour
- Light: 500 – 1,000 lux (6500 kelvin)
Important Tips
- Humidity: Lion's Mane is susceptible to dehydration, so keep the block moist with a plant sprayer (preferably a nebulizer).
- Patience: It may sometimes take longer than indicated before the mushrooms are ready to harvest, depending on environmental conditions.
Conclusion
For a successful harvest of Lion's Mane mushrooms, it is crucial to manage humidity properly and harvest the mushrooms at the right time when the hairs are about an inch long. Follow growing instructions carefully for best results. With the right care and attention you can enjoy the many health benefits and delicious taste of this special mushroom.
At Toshifarm we are passionate about mushrooms and offer high-quality grow kits and supplements to help you with every step of the growing process. Visit our website for more information and start growing your own Lion's Mane mushrooms today!