Shiitake is a mushroom that can be easily grown both at home and in a garden plot. For planting under garden trees or indoors, dry grain mycelium obtained from oats, wheat, rye, and other grains is used. First, the grain is germinated, then crushed and dried at a temperature of 23‑25 °C, after which the mycelium enters a dormant state, retaining its properties.
Dry grain mycelium has a long shelf life – up to five to seven years. During drying it loses 5‑6 times its weight: 10 g of dry equivalent is 50‑60 g of ordinary grain mycelium. Under favorable conditions (suitable temperature, humidity, and soil acidity) the mycelium awakens and begins to actively germinate. It has no vegetative period, so mushrooms can be grown year-round.
Mycelium contains 88‑92% water, proteins, carbohydrates, organic acids, minerals (iron, phosphorus, potassium, zinc) and B, E, D vitamins, as well as niacin. This makes it beneficial for diets, supporting the immune system, lowering cholesterol levels, and improving memory. The caloric content is 27.4 kcal per 100 g, with low sodium content.
