{"product_id":"north-spore-organic-reishi-mushroom-grow-kit-fruiting-block","title":"North Spore Organic Reishi 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 3 months\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\u003e65-80°F\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReishi \u003cem\u003e(Ganoderma lucidum) \u003c\/em\u003eis the easiest of all of our fruiting block kits. Not only is it a very reliable producer, but it requires almost no upkeep! (That's because reishi can live their entire life cycle within an unopened bag.) Reishi is an edible medicinal mushroom known as “Ling Zhi” in China and “Reishi” or “Manetake” in Japan. And our reishi fruiting block features a hearty strain that is widely cultivated in Asia and beloved by growers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReishi take their time and grow very slowly. Depending on your needs, you can harvest your kit early when the mushrooms resemble antlers and are only a few inches tall. Or, you can allow the mushrooms several more months in the bag to form more interesting growth patterns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBonus: While the photo shows “young antlers,” you can also try for mature “broad” mushroom caps. This is a more challenging method which requires additional supervision and a slightly different growing technique. However, it can be very rewarding for those who have some prior experience with reishi kits. (If you're up to it, you can find instructions under “Growing Directions” below.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/northspore.com\/blogs\/the-black-trumpet\/how-to-use-a-mushroom-fruiting-block-kit\"\u003e\"How to Use a Mushroom Fruiting Block Kit\"\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUpon receiving your kit:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\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\u003cdiv class=\"product-description rte\"\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\"\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\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\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\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor best results:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are interested in growing reishi antlers, a fruiting chamber is not necessary. However, if you are interested in growing reishi conks (caps) we recommend growing your reishi 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:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor reishi antlers, there are no special parameters (as the entire growth cycle happens within the bag.) The environmental parameters for reishi conks (caps) can be found on this page under \"Temp, Humidity \u0026amp; CO2 guide\" and on page 8 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:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnfold 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to initiate fruiting:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor reishi antlers:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDO NOT open the bag. Reishi needs the high humidity and CO2 environment of a closed bag in order to form antlers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlace closed bag in a spot with ambient light and rotate occasionally until ready to harvest.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor reishi conks (caps):\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDO NOT open the bag until antlers are greater than 4” in height.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnce antlers are greater than 4\" in height, open the top of the bag.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReturn to fruiting chamber until ready to harvest.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial considerations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReishi mushrooms are very slow growing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBecause of the slow growth rate, there is greater risk of contamination when opened and placed in a fruiting chamber.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting your mushrooms:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMushrooms can be harvested by twisting the base and then trimming away any substrate and dried in the open air.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing different blocks together:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\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:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving issues with unusual growth, stunted growth, or no growth at all? Refer to pages 16-18 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\u003cdiv class=\"p-accordion\"\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\u003e65-80°F  |  18-26°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\u003eHigh CO2, keep in bag\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;2,000 ppm | keep bag closed for antlers, open bag for caps\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\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReishi mushrooms are intensely bitter and woody and usually aren't considered culinary unless harvested very young. However, we do recommend throwing a slice or two of dried reishi into soup stock, much like you'd use a bay leaf, to infuse the broth with its medicinal properties. You may also choose to incorporate reishi into medicinal teas tinctures.\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":41933033701461,"sku":"6180","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/3426\/6709\/files\/north-spore-organic-reishi-mushroom-grow-kit-fruiting-block-6180-3351982.jpg?v=1767474429","url":"https:\/\/www.bghydro.com\/products\/north-spore-organic-reishi-mushroom-grow-kit-fruiting-block","provider":"BetterGrow Hydro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}