{"product_id":"north-spore-organic-shiitake-mushroom-grow-kit-fruiting-block","title":"North Spore Organic Shiitake 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\u003eIntermediate\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\u003e1.5 to 2 weeks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKit shelf 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\u003e55-70°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\u003eOur Shiitake \u003cem\u003e(Lentinula edodes)\u003c\/em\u003e fruiting block features a popular strain that produces light brown, medium-to-large, umbrella-shaped caps. Shiitake mushrooms are a delicious edible fungus from East Asia and their flavor is described as rich, savory, buttery, and umami. This strain tends to produce generous flushes, making them a great mushroom for confident beginners and intermediate growers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShiitake are reliable producers as long as the ambient humidity in the growing environment remains consistent. Because the block is removed entirely from the bag once it's ready to fruit, shiitake blocks are prone to drying out. Therefore, we recommend using a humidity tent or humidity-controlled fruiting chamber (like a monotub or martha tent) to help mitigate the moisture issue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/northspore.com\/blogs\/the-black-trumpet\/5-of-the-best-ways-to-cook-shiitake-mushrooms\"\u003e\"5 of the Best Shiitake Mushroom Recipes\"\u003c\/a\u003e\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\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\"\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\u003eWe recommend growing your shiitake 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\u003eThe environmental parameters for shiitake can be found on this page under \"Temp, Humidity \u0026amp; CO2 guide\" and on page 13 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\u003eYour shiitake block should be given time to brown in its bag at room temperature before fruiting is initiated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to initiate fruiting:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnce the block is mostly brown, place the sealed block in the refrigerator for at least 48 hours.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNext, remove the block from the bag and soak the block in cold water for approximately 4 hours before placing it directly into your fruiting chamber.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDO NOT place back into the bag, as shiitake blocks grow without a bag.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2418\/8179\/files\/shiitake_block_fruiting_conditions.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" data-entity-type=\"\" data-entity-uuid=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial considerations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShiitake can be prone to Trichoderma (green mold). If you see green mold, spray affected areas of block with hydrogen peroxide 3%.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting your mushrooms:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarvest your shiitake block just before the caps flatten. Trim flush with the block so no stem remains on the block before subsequent fruitings. Place block back into fruiting chamber between fruitings to prevent it from drying out and to decrease risk of contamination.\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\u003e55-70°F  |  13-21°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\u003e500-700 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\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/northspore.com\/blogs\/the-black-trumpet\/5-of-the-best-ways-to-cook-shiitake-mushrooms\"\u003e\"5 of the Best Shiitake Mushroom Recipes\"\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShiitake has a meaty texture when cooked and is good for drying and reconstituting in winter soups. It pairs beautifully with tamari, ginger, and garlic and can bring needed umami to many different dishes. These mushrooms are delicious sauteed and can be used in stir-fries, risottos, ramens, on pizzas, or simply eaten by themselves.\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":41933033373781,"sku":"20275","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/3426\/6709\/files\/north-spore-organic-shiitake-mushroom-grow-kit-fruiting-block-20275-3856879.jpg?v=1767474430","url":"https:\/\/www.bghydro.com\/products\/north-spore-organic-shiitake-mushroom-grow-kit-fruiting-block","provider":"BetterGrow Hydro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}