Lion’s mane mushroom is a delicious and nutritious fungus with a wide range of culinary uses and health benefits. However, it can be difficult to source, which leads to the question: can lion’s mane mushrooms be cultivated? The answer is yes, and this article will guide you through the process of growing and caring for these mushrooms, as well as provide some tasty recipe ideas.
1 Can Lion’s Mane Mushrooms Be Cultivated?
There are two main types of lion’s mane mushrooms: white and black. Both vary in color, flavor, and nutritional content. White lion’s mane mushrooms are naturally-occurring and cannot be cultivated, which makes them rarer and more expensive. On the other hand, black lion’s mane mushrooms can be grown on sawdust substrates, making them more accessible. Black lion’s mane mushrooms have a similar crunchy texture and aromatic flavor to their white counterparts, but are more affordable.
Black lion’s mane mushrooms can be cultivated
2 A Guide to Cultivating Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Preparing the Sawdust Substrate
Gathering and Preparing Sawdust
While various types of sawdust can be used, it is recommended to choose sawdust from banyan or rubber trees and avoid hardwood or aromatic trees. Keep the sawdust dry and mold-free, and if you’re storing it for future use, ensure it’s thoroughly dried and kept in a cool, dry place.
Before cultivation, moisten the sawdust by sprinkling clean water and mixing it thoroughly with your hands. The ideal moisture level is achieved when squeezing a handful of sawdust results in a small amount of water seeping out.
Sprinkle water onto the sawdust to achieve the right moisture level
Next, cover the sawdust with a plastic sheet and let it sit for a few days. After this period, mix in some lime powder at a ratio of 0.5 kg of lime powder per 100 kg of sawdust. You can use a moisture meter to ensure the moisture level reaches 65%. Continue to cover and let the mixture sit for another 4-6 days, stirring it every 2-3 days.
Packing the Sawdust
Prepare some bags and fill them with the sawdust mixture, compacting it firmly as you go. Leave a gap of 5-7 cm from the mouth of the bag and then twist and fold the top of the bag so that the neck is sandwiched between two layers of plastic.
Use a rubber band to secure the neck of the bag and then plug it with a dry, non-absorbent cotton ball before sealing the bag.
Pack the sawdust, leaving a 5-7 cm gap from the mouth of the bag
Sterilizing the Sawdust Bags
Method 1
Use a drum steamer to steam the sawdust bags for 10-12 hours, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 95-100°C.
Method 2
Alternatively, you can use an industrial pressure cooker to steam the bags for 120-125 minutes at 120-180°C.
Use an industrial pressure cooker to sterilize the sawdust
For larger-scale operations, consider building a steam-saturated kiln to sterilize the bags for 9-10 hours.
Cultivation Techniques
Once the sterilization process is complete and the bags have cooled, it’s time to inoculate the sawdust with mushroom spawn. There are two methods you can use:
Using Grain Spawn
Take a small amount of lion’s mane mushroom spawn with a sterile iron rod and gently shake it over the surface of the sawdust bags so that the spawn is evenly distributed.
Note: The ratio of spawn to sawdust should be approximately 1.2%.
Using Plug Spawn
Using a sterile pen, pick up the spawn plugs and place them into pre-drilled holes in the sawdust bags. Each hole should contain one spawn plug, with the top of the plug level with the surface of the sawdust.
After inoculation, move the bags to a closed room for mycelium cultivation for 60-75 days.
Note: Sterilize all tools and work in a closed, sterile environment with a burning alcohol lamp for added safety.
Using plug spawn to cultivate lion’s mane mushrooms
Forming Fruiting Bodies
Forming Fruiting Bodies in Bags
Once the mycelium has fully colonized the sawdust bags, it’s time to open the bags and lay them side by side, covering them with a 2.5-3 cm layer of soil.
Planting in Rows Outdoors
Remove the plastic bags and arrange the colonized blocks close together on the ground. Cover them with a 2.5-3 cm layer of soil mixed with rice husks and lime powder.
Planting lion’s mane mushrooms in rows outdoors
3 Caring for and Harvesting Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Caring for Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Maintain proper moisture levels in the soil for the first 20-30 days, as dry soil can hinder mushroom growth, but avoid over-watering.
Once the fruiting bodies start to form, gently water them 2-3 times a day with clean water and gradually reduce the amount of water to maintain a humidity level of 95-98% and a temperature of 24-32°C for optimal growth.
Water the mushrooms 2-3 times a day with clean water
Harvesting Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Lion’s mane mushrooms grow individually, so harvest them by gently twisting and pulling the entire mushroom, including the base, at its optimal size. The best time to harvest is in the morning or evening.
For the best quality, look for mushrooms with a stem length of 10-15 cm, a stem diameter of 1.5-2 cm, and a cap size of 3-5 cm. When mature, the mushroom will open up to a diameter of 10-15 cm.
Harvest lion’s mane mushrooms in the morning or evening for the best quality
After the initial harvest, you can expect to harvest again in 2-4 days, depending on environmental conditions. Each subsequent harvest can last for up to 16 days.
4 Delicious Lion’s Mane Mushroom Recipes
Lion’s mane mushrooms are not only nutritious but also incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Here are some mouth-watering recipe ideas:
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms Braised in Soy Sauce
This simple dish packs a punch. The mushrooms absorb the savory flavors of the braising liquid, resulting in a delicious, tender dish that pairs perfectly with rice.
Lion’s mane mushrooms braised in soy sauce
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Porridge
On colder days, a bowl of hot porridge with lion’s mane mushrooms is a comforting treat. Whether you add chicken, pork, or shrimp, the sweetness of the mushrooms complements the other flavors beautifully. A dash of pepper and some fresh herbs will take this dish to the next level.
Lion’s mane mushroom porridge
Stir-fried Lion’s Mane Mushrooms with Beef
This easy-to-prepare dish showcases the natural sweetness of lion’s mane mushrooms alongside tender beef. It’s a perfect match with steamed rice.
Stir-fried lion’s mane mushrooms with beef
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Pancakes
If you’re looking for a unique twist on traditional pancakes, try adding lion’s mane mushrooms. The crispy, golden pancakes pair perfectly with the chewy, sweet mushrooms, especially when served with fresh herbs and a dipping sauce.
Lion’s mane mushroom pancakes
Now you know everything there is to know about cultivating, caring for, and cooking with lion’s mane mushrooms. We hope this article has inspired you to give it a try!
