Growing lion’s mane mushroom is relatively simple, especially with a lion’s mane growing kit and the end result is really tasty, and good for you! They can be baked, breaded, fried, and dipped into garlic oil. They are also a popular ingredient for coffee if you’re looking for an extra boost.
So, how can you harvest them, and what is the best time to harvest lion’s mane mushrooms? Lions mane mushrooms are harvested a year after being inoculated if you’re growing them the old fashioned way in logs.
When to Harvest Lion’s Mane
First of all, you want to ensure that the fruiting body is mostly white. If they’re pink or brown, they haven’t matured enough to be harvested yet. You should also cut off the fruiting body at the base of the mushroom, leaving the base behind for the next flush.
When you’re finished, place the harvested fruiting body in a paper bag and store them in the fridge. If they’re still green, leave them on the log to ensure that they’re not damaged or bruised.
You can also learn more via the following video:
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When Does Lion’s Mane Mushroom Mature?
Harvesting lion’s mane mushroom is a process that requires patience and some experience. If you are a first-time grower, it can take a few years before you see any fruiting bodies if you’re inoculating logs. If you are a veteran grower, you should see fruiting cycles in seven to 10 days after propagating.
Then, just wait for them to develop completely with blooming fruiting bodies. Once they have reached that stage, the mushrooms are water-logged, boring, and not as attractive.
If you pull them too early, they turn yellow and deteriorate. The best time to pick lion’s mane mushrooms is during spring and early summer. They grow on dead or dying trees, and can grow on a tree up to 40 feet in the air.
If you are growing lion’s mane mushrooms, put them in an area of your fruiting chamber that has enough humidity. If using a large plastic container for your fruiting chamber, the best time is in fall to begin.
Additional Resources:
Where do lion’s mane mushrooms grow?
Updated 10/10/2022
