From Oysters to Shiitakes:

Grow a Variety of Delicious Mushrooms at Home (and why)

Are you curious about the best mushrooms to grow at home for your culinary adventures?

We’ll take a look at the top five best mushrooms to grow for beginners and expert growers alike.

Mushrooms are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. While it’s easy to find them in stores, growing them at home is a fun and rewarding way to add fresh produce to your diet.

In this post, we’ll explore different types of mushrooms you can grow at home and provide some basic tips on how to get started. 

Best Mushrooms to Grow at Home

Shiitake Mushrooms

The primary use of shiitake mushrooms is for food. They have a rich, savory flavor and meaty texture, which makes them a popular ingredient in a variety of dishes, including stir-fries, soups, stews, and more.

Shiitake mushrooms are not only delicious, but they also offer a number of potential health benefits. Studies have suggested that shiitake mushrooms may have anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and cholesterol-lowering properties, among other potential health benefits.

1. Immune support: Shiitake mushrooms are believed to have immune-boosting properties, which can help the body defend against infections and illnesses. Some research has suggested that shiitake mushrooms may stimulate the production of white blood cells, which play a key role in the immune system.
2. Cholesterol management: Shiitake mushrooms contain a compound called eritadenine, which may help to lower cholesterol levels. Some studies have suggested that consuming shiitake mushrooms regularly may help to reduce LDL cholesterol (often referred to as “bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides, while also raising HDL cholesterol (often referred to as “good” cholesterol).

Growing shiitake mushrooms: 

* They grow well on logs and take about 6-12 months to mature.
* You can usually purchase shiitake mushroom spawn and logs from gardening supply stores.

Button Mushrooms

Button mushrooms are a common variety of mushroom that are widely available and popular in many cuisines around the world. At times we can find them at good prices and that is when you should buy in bulk and safely store the mushrooms to use at a later date.

While they may not have as many potential health benefits as some other types of mushrooms, they are still a good source of key nutrients and may offer some health benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Here are a few ways that button mushrooms may benefit your health:

1. Nutrient content: Button mushrooms are a good source of key nutrients, including vitamins B2 and B3, copper, and selenium. These nutrients are important for maintaining good overall health and may help to support a healthy immune system, promote energy production, and protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals.
2. Potential anti-cancer effects: Some studies have suggested that button mushrooms may have anti-cancer properties. Specifically, they may contain compounds that can help to suppress the growth of cancer cells and promote apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects and understand how they may be used in cancer prevention and treatment.

In terms of medicinal use, button mushrooms are not typically used in traditional medicine practices.

However, they are often consumed as a food for their potential health benefits. Fresh or canned button mushrooms are widely available in grocery stores and can be consumed raw or cooked in a variety of dishes.

Growing button mushrooms:

* They are relatively easy to grow and can be grown in trays or pots.
* Button mushrooms prefer a cooler environment and should be kept at a temperature of around 55-60°F.

Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms are a popular variety of mushroom that are known for their delicate texture and mild flavor. They are often used in a variety of dishes, particularly in Asian cuisine, and are also sometimes used for medicinal purposes.

Growing oyster mushrooms:

* They can be grown on a variety of substrates, including straw, coffee grounds, and sawdust.
* Oyster mushrooms grow quickly and can be ready to harvest in as little as 3-4 weeks.

Portobello Mushrooms

Portobello mushrooms are a large, meaty variety of mushroom that have a slightly nutty flavor and are often used in vegetarian and vegan dishes as a substitute for meat. Here are a few ways that portobello mushrooms may benefit your health:

1. Rich in nutrients: Portobello mushrooms are a good source of key nutrients, including B vitamins, potassium, and selenium. These nutrients are important for maintaining good overall health, and may help to support energy production, maintain healthy skin and hair, and protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals.
2. Potential cancer-fighting properties: Some studies have suggested that mushrooms, including portobellos, may have cancer-fighting properties. Specifically, they may contain compounds that can help to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and boost immune function.
3. Potential cholesterol-lowering effects: Like oyster mushrooms, portobellos may also help to lower cholesterol levels in the body. They contain compounds that can help to inhibit the absorption of cholesterol from the diet, which could help to reduce overall cholesterol levels in the blood.

In terms of medicinal use, portobello mushrooms are not typically used in traditional medicine practices.

Growing portobello mushrooms:

* Portobello mushrooms can be grown in trays or pots.
* They require a warm, humid environment.

Enoki Mushrooms

Enoki mushrooms are small and delicate, with a long, thin stem and a small cap. They have a mild, slightly fruity flavor and a crunchy texture. They are often used in soups and stir-fries.

In terms of health benefits, enoki mushrooms are a good source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants. They are also low in calories and fat, making them a great addition to a healthy diet.

Enoki mushrooms are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to boost the immune system, improve liver function, and reduce inflammation, and are typically consumed in a tea or soup format.

It’s important to note that while enoki mushrooms are generally considered safe to eat, there have been cases of illness associated with consuming contaminated mushrooms. It’s important to purchase enoki mushrooms from a reputable source and to always wash them thoroughly before eating.

Growing enoki mushrooms:

* Enoki mushrooms are best grown in a cool environment
* They grow on logs from late fall until early spring
* They can be harvested in as little as 10-14 days.

Getting Started Growing Mushrooms

Before you start growing mushrooms, you will need to gather the necessary supplies. These include mushroom spawn, a substrate (such as sawdust or straw), and a growing container (such as a tray or pot).

Once you have your supplies, you will need to prepare the substrate and inoculate it with the mushroom spawn. After this, you will need to keep the substrate at the appropriate temperature and humidity levels until the mushrooms are ready to harvest.

It is pretty much as easy as that, but if you are interested in learning the correct (and safe) way to grow them, I do suggest grabbing this amazing FREE e-book, well written and easy to follow, and put together by the fab guys over at GroCycle.

Conclusion

Growing mushrooms at home is a fun and rewarding way to add fresh produce to your diet.

With a little bit of patience and some basic supplies, you can grow a variety of delicious mushrooms right in your own home.

Whether you prefer meaty shiitake mushrooms or delicate enoki mushrooms, there’s a type of mushroom that’s perfect for your home growing needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. 1. How long does it take for mushrooms to grow at home?
   Answer: The time it takes for mushrooms to grow at home depends on the type of mushroom and growing conditions. Generally, it takes between 3-12 months for mushrooms to mature.

1. 2. Can I grow mushrooms indoors?
   Answer: Yes, you can grow mushrooms indoors. Many types of mushrooms, such as button mushrooms and oyster mushrooms, can be grown in trays or pots indoors.

1. 3. What kind of substrate should I use for mushroom cultivation?
   Answer: The type of substrate you use for mushroom cultivation depends on the type of mushroom you want to grow. Common substrates include sawdust, straw, and coffee grounds.

1. 4. Do mushrooms need sunlight to grow?
   Answer: Mushrooms do not require sunlight to grow. In fact, they prefer a dark environment.

1. 5. Can I use store-bought mushrooms to start growing my own mushrooms?
   Answer: No, you cannot use store-bought mushrooms to start growing your own mushrooms. You need to purchase mushroom spawn from a gardening supply store or online retailer.

1. 6. How do I know when my mushrooms are ready to harvest?
   Answer: You will know when your mushrooms are ready to harvest when the caps have fully opened and the gills are visible.

1. 7. What temperature do mushrooms need to grow?
   Answer: The temperature required for mushroom growth varies depending on the type of mushroom. For example, button mushrooms prefer a cooler temperature of around 55-60°F, while oyster mushrooms prefer a warmer temperature of around 75°F.

1. 8. Can I reuse my mushroom substrate after harvesting?
   Answer: Yes, you can reuse your mushroom substrate after harvesting. However, you will need to add more mushroom spawn to the substrate to ensure that it is still active.

1. 9. Are all mushrooms safe to eat?
   Answer: No, not all mushrooms are safe to eat. Some mushrooms are poisonous and can cause serious illness or death. It is important to only consume mushrooms that have been properly identified as safe to eat.

10. Can I grow mushrooms without a grow kit?
Answer: Yes, you can grow mushrooms without a grow kit. All you need is mushroom spawn, a substrate, and a growing container, such as a tray or pot. However, grow kits can be convenient and may contain everything you need to get started.

It’s important to note that more research is needed to confirm medicinal uses and understand how they may be used in a clinical setting. Please consult a naturalist or health practitioner for further information.

Want more mushroom secrets?

Find out how to grow mushrooms at home yourself!
15 of the best stuffed mushroom recipes
This is how to store white mushrooms