Enoki mushrooms are a delicacy loved by many for their delicious flavor and crunchy texture. Enoki mushrooms are versatile and can be used in various dishes, from hot pots and stir-fries to grilled delicacies due to their high nutritional value and medicinal properties. Have you ever thought about growing these mushrooms at home? Growing Enoki mushrooms at home can help you save costs and time, and you can enjoy the fruits of your labor just 2 weeks after planting. So, why not learn how to grow Enoki mushrooms with this easy guide below?
1 Ingredients for Growing Mushrooms with Coffee Grounds
- 1 bunch of Enoki mushrooms, kept intact with the roots
- 1 bag of coffee grounds (if you don’t have coffee grounds, you can substitute with tea grounds, peanut shells, straw, corn cob cores, or sawdust that has been fermented for 3-6 months)
- Distilled water. Tap water can be used as a substitute for distilled water, but it must be left uncovered for at least 48 hours to allow chlorine to evaporate.
- Tools: plastic bags, buckets/containers, and spray bottles
2 How to Grow Enoki Mushrooms at Home Using Coffee Grounds
Step 1 Prepare the Coffee Grounds
Preparing the coffee grounds
- First, store the coffee grounds in the refrigerator before planting to ensure quality and prevent mold.
- The day before planting the mushrooms, take the coffee grounds out of the fridge and leave them at room temperature for 24 hours to balance the moisture content.
Note: even a small amount of mold on the coffee grounds will render them unusable
Step 2 Prepare the Container for Planting
Preparing the container for planting
- Next, use an awl or a similar tool to poke small holes in the bottom of your chosen container (bucket, jar, or bottle). Then, fill the container halfway with coffee grounds and sprinkle a little water to achieve the right moisture level, being careful not to over-saturate the grounds.
Note: If you’re using a glass jar, it’s recommended to wrap the jar with dark-colored fabric or a plastic bag before planting.
Step 3 Planting Process
Planting process
- Using a sharp knife, separate the mushroom stems from the roots. The stems can be used for cooking, while the roots will be used for planting.
- Place the roots into the prepared container with coffee grounds, pressing them down so that the roots are just covered. Then, cover the roots with the remaining coffee grounds, leaving a 2.5 cm gap from the container’s rim.
- Cover the container with a plastic bag or a perforated plastic sheet to maintain humidity and place it in a dark, damp area. Remove the plastic cover once the mushrooms start to grow.
Step 4: Caring for Your Enoki Mushrooms
Caring for Enoki mushrooms
- Enoki mushrooms thrive in temperatures between 13-18°C (55-64°F). Spray the mushrooms with water twice a day for about 1-2 weeks to encourage faster growth.
- The first harvest can take place when the mushrooms reach a length of approximately 15 cm. To encourage a second harvest, maintain the temperature at around 13°C, and after about 3-4 days, the mushrooms will start to grow again. The total growth period for Enoki mushrooms is approximately 75-90 days.
3 The Finished Product
The finished product
In just 2 weeks and with a few simple steps, you can have your own Enoki mushroom crop that is not only safe and clean but also fresh and tasty, ready to be used in your favorite dishes.
Beef Rolls with Enoki Mushrooms
The mouthwatering aroma of beef combined with the distinctive flavor of Enoki mushrooms creates a dish that will delight your senses. Treat your family to this delicious meal over the weekend—they’ll love it!
Beef rolls with Enoki mushrooms
Squid Stir-Fry with Enoki Mushrooms
Try this squid stir-fry for a tasty change of pace. The sweet and crispy squid, combined with the unique flavor of Enoki mushrooms and seasoned to perfection, will leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.
Squid stir-fry with Enoki mushrooms
Enoki Mushrooms and Loofah Stir-Fry
Enoki mushrooms and loofah (sponge gourd) stir-fry is a nutritious dish that combines the sweetness of loofah with the delightful texture of Enoki mushrooms. This dish is best enjoyed with a bowl of steamed rice!
Enoki mushrooms and loofah stir-fry
Crispy Fried Enoki Mushrooms
These crispy fried Enoki mushrooms with a delicious dipping sauce will be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Crispy fried Enoki mushrooms
With just one planting session, you’ll have a continuous supply of Enoki mushrooms for multiple meals, and it’s so simple, cost-effective, and safe! So, what are you waiting for? Give it a try, and good luck!