{"product_id":"north-spore-organic-blue-oyster-mushroom-grow-kit-fruiting-block","title":"North Spore Organic Blue Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit Fruiting Block","description":"\u003ctable class=\"properties\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSkill level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrow location\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndoors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrow speed\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 to 2 weeks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShelf life\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6 months (refrigerated)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKit dimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6in H x 9in W x 6in D\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKit weight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 lbs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruiting temps\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e55-75°F \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp data-sanitized-data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sanitized-data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOur blue oyster (\u003cem\u003ePleurotus ostreatus) \u003c\/em\u003efruiting block features a strain that produces beautiful clusters of mushrooms with bluish-gray to brownish-gray caps, depending on lighting conditions. They have a rich umami flavor and a soft meaty texture that lends itself to most recipes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sanitized-data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBlue oyster mushrooms are great for beginners as they are reliable producers and tend to grow large flushes. They are also one of the easiest blocks to get subsequent fruitings and, if kept in the right conditions, should reliably produce a second flush or more!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-description rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUpon receiving your kit:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eRemove kit from the shipping box as soon as possible. Then, unfold the top of the bag, making room for air space. It's also important to check and confirm that the filter patch is not obstructed. This will help the organism breathe and continue to thrive until you are ready to grow your fruiting block!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eScroll down for guides on growing, storage, cooking, and more.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rte__video-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wDGaL0moWN4?si=B_Ys16GlBA8sZl8e\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p-accordion\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Instructions:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eFor the majority of mushroom species, all that is needed to initiate fruiting (or begin the growth cycle) is a change in environmental conditions -- specifically humidity, light, temperature, and changes to oxygen and CO2 levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"p-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor best results:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eWe recommend growing your blue oyster block in a fruiting chamber (like a monotub or martha tent) as a controlled environment will decrease the risk of contamination and increase the chances of success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCreating optimal conditions:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe environmental parameters for blue oyster mushrooms can be found on this page under \"Temp, Humidity \u0026amp; CO2 guide\" and on page 3 of our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2418\/8179\/files\/FruitingBlockBookletUpdated.pdf?v=1675891153\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003efruiting block instruction booklet\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreparing your block:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eTightly fold excess plastic back and place the block face up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to initiate fruiting:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSlice bag with a single diagonal line or with an X.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlue oyster mushrooms can be top or side fruited.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial considerations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlue oyster mushrooms are prone to forming long stems and small caps when CO2 levels are too high.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCooler temperatures and more light will produce a more pigmented cap.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting your mushrooms:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eHarvest young, when edges of caps are still slightly turned under. (When harvested younger, less spores will be produced and shelf life will be extended.) Remove entire cluster with care to minimize breaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing different blocks together:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eWith some compromise, many different species of mushrooms 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 many different groupings!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTroubleshooting:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eHaving issues with unusual growth, stunted growth, or no growth at all? Refer to pages 16-18 in our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2418\/8179\/files\/FruitingBlockBookletUpdated.pdf?v=1675891153\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003efruiting block instruction booklet\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemp, Humidity \u0026amp; CO2 Guide:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"1\" cellpadding=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e55-75°F  |  13-24°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHumidity\u003c\/strong\u003e (Phase 1: Primordia)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e95-100%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHumidity\u003c\/strong\u003e (Phase 2: Fruitbody)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e85-95%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCO2 Sensitivity\u003c\/strong\u003e (Phase 1: Primordia)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026lt;1,000 ppm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCO2 Sensitivity \u003c\/strong\u003e(Phase 2: Fruitbody)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026lt;1,000 ppm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\"\u003ePrimordia -  The earliest recognizable stage of fruitbody development. Also known as “baby mushrooms” or “mushroom pins.”\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\"\u003eFruitbody - A fully grown mushroom, the reproductive structure of the organism in which the spores are produced.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\"\u003eCO2 sensitivity - When CO2 levels are too high, yields will decrease, stems will become long and stringy, caps will be small, and\/or growth will halt.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStoring:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eIf you don't plan to use immediately, you can refrigerate your block for up to 6 months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCooking:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe classic North Spore recipe is to slice up oyster mushrooms and sauté them in a heavy pan on medium heat with butter, garlic, and loads of fresh thyme and rosemary (or whatever other herbs you happen to have on hand!). Cook until the mushrooms have released their liquid, then continue cooking until that liquid has cooked off and the mushrooms begin to brown. Deglaze your pan with a splash of white wine, reduce once more, and finish with a touch of heavy cream. Season generously with salt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike all Oyster mushrooms, they retain water and may develop a viscous texture when under-cooked. If you prefer a firm or dryer texture, continue to cook Oysters until their liquid has reduced and cooked off and they begin to brown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCautions \u0026amp; Considerations:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eIf you’re going to consume home-grown mushrooms, make sure to cook your fresh mushrooms thoroughly with heat. If it is your first time eating this species, it is best to start with a small amount to check for allergies, even if cooked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMushrooms grow spores as they develop. This is a natural means of reproduction. This is when people with allergies or compromised immune systems may want to consider putting fruiting mushroom kits outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Spores in mushrooms sometimes cause respiratory irritation. In rare cases, spores may also cause irritation for some non-allergic or non-immunocompromised mushroom growers. If you are one of them, it is recommended to reduce the overall spore load by harvesting mushrooms while they are still in their younger growth stages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFAQ's:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/northspore.com\/pages\/fruiting-block-kit-faq\"\u003eFruiting Block Kit FAQ\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"North Spore","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41933033013333,"sku":"20276","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/3426\/6709\/files\/north-spore-organic-blue-oyster-mushroom-grow-kit-fruiting-block-20276-7035319.jpg?v=1767474431","url":"https:\/\/www.bghydro.com\/products\/north-spore-organic-blue-oyster-mushroom-grow-kit-fruiting-block","provider":"BetterGrow Hydro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}