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Shiitake Mushroom
Scientific name: Lentinula edodes
Other Names: Sawtooth oak mushroom, black forest mushroom, black mushroom, golden oak mushroom or oakwood mushroom
Credit: Photo by Kier in Sight Archives
Substrate Preference:
Best Substrates: Hardwood logs (oak, maple, chestnut), hardwood sawdust blocks enriched with bran.
Growing Conditions: Shiitake prefers temperatures between 18-22°C (64-72°F) and moderate humidity levels (75-85%).
Cultivation Tips:
Incubation: When using logs, drill holes into the wood and inject the Shiitake liquid culture into the holes. For sawdust blocks, thoroughly mix the liquid culture into the sterilized substrate. Seal holes in logs with wax to protect against contaminants. Incubate in a dark, warm place for 6-12 months (for logs) or 2-3 months (for sawdust blocks), depending on the substrate used.
Fruiting: Once the logs or sawdust blocks are fully colonized, initiate fruiting by soaking them in cold water for 24 hours to "shock" them into fruiting. Move to an area with indirect light and high humidity. Fresh air exchange and maintaining a temperature of around 15-20°C (59-68°F) will help initiate fruiting.
Harvesting: Harvest Shiitake when the caps are open but not fully flat. The edges should still curl slightly downward. Twist or cut the mushrooms off at the base, leaving any small mushrooms for the next harvest.
