Mycology

Lion's Mane growing from scratch.

Lion's Mane mushrooms: what are they and how to grow them? A step-by-step guide

What are Lion's Mane mushrooms?

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a popular medicinal and culinary mushroom, known for its unique appearance and numerous health properties. It looks like a large, white pompon with delicate "teeth" that hang down, resembling a lion's mane. These distinctive teeth are the lamellae of the mushroom, which release spores.

This fungus grows on decaying deciduous trees, such as beech, oak and maple, and can be found in the northern hemisphere - both in North America, Europe and Asia. Lion's Mane has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years, especially to treat digestive and spleen ailments. Today, it is gaining popularity as a supplement to support brain functions such as concentration, energy and memory.

How to grow Lion's Mane mushrooms at home?

Lion's Mane mushrooms are relatively easy to grow at home. Below you will find a complete step-by-step guide on how to grow these unique mushrooms from scratch.

Step 1: Gather materials and prepare the space

To start, you need some basic materials:

- Lion's Mane liquid culture syringe

- Mushroom growing bags or prepared jars

- Grain (rye, wheat, millet, barley or oats)

-Bucket or large pot

- Gypsum

- Hardwood pellets

- Soybean hulls or wheat bran

- Pressure cooker

- Distilled water

- Isopropyl alcohol and disposable gloves

 

Make sure the space you will be working in is clean and free of debris. Sterility is key to avoid bacterial infections

Step 2: Prepare the grains

In this step you will need:

-Grain (wheat, oats, rye, millet, sorghum)

-Culture bags or prepared jars

-Water

-Bucket

-Garnek

-A sheet or sieve for drying

 

The grain will be the first substrate that the mycelium will settle. Use rye, wheat or other available grains. Weigh the appropriate amount of grains and soak them in water overnight. Then boil the grains counting 15 minutes after boiling. Drain the grain with a colander and then spread it out to dry on a sheet or special sieve. After about 3 hours, the grain should be ready for the next step. 

Step 3: Sterilize the grains

In this step you will need:

-Culture bags or jars 

-Sharpener

 

Pack the previously prepared grains in jars or bags. To prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria, sterilize the grains in a pressure cooker for about 90 minutes at 15 psi. For larger bags, use a 2.5-hour sterilization.

Step 4: Inoculate the grains with Lion's Mane liquid culture

In this step you will need:

Lion's Mane Liquid Culture

-Isopropylene alcohol

-Gloves

-Laminar Curtain (Optional).

 

After the bags (jars) of grain have cooled, inoculate them Lion's Mane liquid culture. Use a syringe, injecting approx. 4 ml of culture per bag or 2 ml per jar. Take care to disinfect the inoculation points with alcohol. To reduce the risk of contamination, it is good to use a Laminar Curtain or Still Air Box.

Video illustrating steps 2 through 4

Step 5: Preparation of the "Master's Mix" substrate.

In this traffic jam you will need:

-Pellet hardwoods

-soybean hulls or wheat bran

-Demineralized water -Gypsum

 

Master's Mix is an ideal substrate for Lion's Mane breeding, consisting of:

- 20% hardwood pellets

- 20% soybean hulls or wheat bran

- 4% gypsum

- 56% of water

Weigh the appropriate amount of materials, moisten them with distilled water, and then let them soak. After straining, proceed with sterilization in a pressure cooker for another 2 hours.

Step 6: Mix the grains with Master's Mix

In this step you will need:

-Isopropyl alcohol

-Spray bottle

-Paper towels
-Disposable latex gloves
-Laminar curtain (optional)

 

After the substrate has cooled, mix the colonized grain with Master's Mix. Work in a clean area, wearing gloves. Place the mix in bags or jars and seal tightly.

Step 7: Incubation

Move the bags to a place with high humidity (80-95%) and a temperature of 18-24°C. Store in the dark to prevent premature fruiting of the fungi. Incubation usually takes 7-10 days, during which the mycelium will colonize the substrate.

Step 8: Prepare the fruiting chamber

When the mycelium begins to form structures called "nodes," this is a sign that it is time for fruiting. Cut small holes in the bags to allow the fungi to grow. Keep the humidity high (80-95%) and the temperature right to provide optimal conditions for the fungi.

Step 9: Harvesting

After about two weeks, your Lion's Mane will be ready to harvest! It's best to harvest the mushrooms before their cloves begin to elongate - that's when they have the best flavor, reminiscent of seafood. Store fresh Lion's Mane in the refrigerator for up to a week, or dry them in a food dryer.

Summary

Lion's Mane mushrooms are not only unique-looking mushrooms, but also a rich source of health properties. Growing these mushrooms at home is simpler than it sounds - it only requires the right materials and a few steps. If you want to enjoy the health benefits of Lion's Mane and their delicious taste, try growing them yourself at home!

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