Shiitake mushrooms need warmer temperatures, from October to March is fitting. They start colonising around August and grow well into March.
Shiitake is considered a medicinal mushroom. Shiitake contains eritadenine, a compound known to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. They also contain beta-glucans that reduce inflammation and help prevent intestines from absorbing cholesterol. Shiitake supports immune health and is rich in polysaccharides like lentinans and other beta-glucans. It also has calming properties due to the compound Triterpene.
It is a very difficult grower. It requires daily vibration (taping with a small spoon around the kit). All the plastic must be removed for Shiitake to grow and it needs to be kept very moist. Cold shock treatment (soaking in cold water) or leaving it in the fridge stimulates growth. Unlike other mushrooms, it prefers to be kept in a dark area like a cupboard.
After harvesting your Shiitake flush leave the entire log submerged in water for 10 hours.
Special instructions:
Will not grow in hot conditions. Before starting, leave in a cold, dark place for two days. When ready to begin, remove the plastic bag completely and spray the entire log three to four times a day. The vibration will help to stimulate shitake growth, so tap the log lightly with a spoon or your palm when watering it.
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