SHIITAKE 15

Shiitake is an edible mushroom widely used in Asian cuisine thanks to its rich flavor and aroma. The mushroom growing blocks contain mycelium, which sprouts inside the substrate made of a specially prepared grain mixture, providing optimal nutrients. The block has a volume of 0.5 L (height about 25 cm) and weighs approximately 1.8–2 kg.

To start fruiting, the block must be activated: remove the plastic bag, soak it in cold water (10–15 °C) for 20 minutes, then place it above the water level in a container so it doesn't sink. After that, cover it with a transparent material with ventilation holes and maintain the temperature at 16–22 °C, air humidity – 85–95 %. In 3–4 days, mushroom spores appear on the surface of the block, and in 5–7 days the caps open. Mushrooms are harvested with the stem; after the first harvest wave, the block "rests" for 5–10 days at a temperature of 20–24 °C and humidity to prepare for the next growth surge.

Up to five harvests can be obtained from one block. The first wave usually yields the largest harvest (up to 700 g), followed by smaller amounts. With proper care, the block can produce mushrooms for several weeks, and the shelf life at +2–+4 °C is about six months. Mushrooms are rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, trace elements (selenium, zinc, magnesium) and amino acids, making them a valuable addition to the diet.