Organic Shiitake Mushroom Grain Spawn
Skill level | Intermediate |
Grow location | Indoors |
Spawn shelf life | 4 months (refrigerated) |
Certifications | USDA certified organic |
Bag weight | 6 lbs |
Fruiting temps | 55-70°F |
Our USDA-certified organic Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) grain spawn features a popular strain that produces light brown, medium-to-large, umbrella-shaped caps. Shiitake mushrooms are a delicious edible fungus from East Asia and their flavor is described as rich, savory, buttery, and umami.
This strain tends to produce generous flushes, making them a great mushroom for confident beginners. They colonize quickly and are the most reliable producers of any species, which is why they are ideal for commercial cultivation.
"5 of the Best Shiitake Mushroom Recipes"
Recommended use:
- Shiitake grain spawn can be used for indoor production using sawdust or straw.
- Do not use grain spawn for log inoculation.
- This is not a mushroom grow kit. Shiitake grain spawn must be combined with a substrate in order to fruit.
Upon receiving your spawn:
Remove it from the shipping box as soon as possible. Then, unfold the top of the bag, making room for air space. It's also important to check and confirm that the filter patch is not obstructed. This will help the organism breathe and continue to thrive!
Scroll down for specifications, growing, and storage guides.
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- Weight: Approximately 6 lbs
- Hydration: Average of 47%
- Bags: Gusseted 2.2 mil polypropylene
- Filter: High efficiency .2 micron
- Inoculation Rates: 6 lb. bag of grain will inoculate between 120-165 lb. sterilized sawdust, and 100-130 lb. pasteurized straw
- Sterilization method: Commercial grade autoclave sterilized
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Temperature 55-70°F | 13-21°C Humidity (Phase 1: Primordia) 95-100% Humidity (Phase 2: Fruitbody) 85-95% CO2 Sensitivity (Phase 1: Primordia) 500-700 ppm CO2 Sensitivity (Phase 2: Fruitbody) <1,000 ppm - Primordia - The earliest recognizable stage of fruitbody development. Also known as “baby mushrooms” or “mushroom pins.”
- Fruitbody - A fully grown mushroom, the reproductive structure of the organism in which the spores are produced.
- CO2 sensitivity - When CO2 levels are too high, yields will decrease, stems will become long and stringy, caps will be small, and/or growth will halt.
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Shiitake mushroom grain spawn can be mixed into sterilized hardwood sawdust to create shiitake substrate blocks.
Note: Grain spawn must be mixed with bulk substrate before you can fruit it. If you are new to growing mushrooms, we recommend purchasing a book on mushroom cultivation.
Recommended reading:
'Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms' by Paul Stamets
'Organic Mushroom Farming and Mycoremediation' by Tradd Cotter
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If you don't plan to use immediately, you can refrigerate your spawn for up to 4 months.
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"5 of the Best Shiitake Mushroom Recipes"
Shiitake has a meaty texture when cooked and is good for drying and reconstituting in winter soups. It pairs beautifully with tamari, ginger, and garlic and can bring needed umami to many different dishes. These mushrooms are delicious sauteed and can be used in stir-fries, risottos, ramens, on pizzas, or simply eaten by themselves.
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Our grain spawn is USDA certified organic and made using organic cultures from our own culture bank. It contains a blend of locally sourced, organic, and non-GMO ingredients from farms in New England and North America.
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If you’re going to consume home-grown mushrooms, make sure to cook your fresh mushrooms thoroughly with heat. If it is your first time eating this species, it is best to start with a small amount to check for allergies, even if cooked.
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Great buy
Very trustworthy product
North Spore
Thanks, James! We really appreciate the kind review.
Nice!
The grain Spawn is doing well. The mycelium has covered most of the bin. I haven't cased it yet.
North Spore
We're so happy everything is working out for you, Sylvia! If you need help with anything, please reach out.
Organic Shiitake grain spawn
Easy to use. Unlike many strains fo Shiitake, this spawn was relatively aggressive in colonizing the sawdust substrate. As of yet, we haven't gotten any primordial nor full grown mushrooms, so I'm holding off a star until I can attest to the fruiting quality. I'll return to ad the extra star once we start harvesting the mushrooms.
North Spore
Thanks for sharing, Ian! Our team is here to help if you need anything.
Stellar product
Even with a low spawn rate and unsterile practices, the mycelium grew vigorously and I got a number of blocks to fruit. Highly recommend.
North Spore
We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, Sam! If you need help with anything, please reach out.
Novice reviewing
As a novice grower, it is so good to get things ready to go and to be able to have a positive experience.
North Spore
Thanks, Donald! We really appreciate your support.
Very Impressed
I was very impressed with the quality of the products that I recently purchased. They have the best quality for the price from all other competitors. I will be a frequent customer from now on. Thank you.
Instant mycelium run
At our fledgling mushroom company we are keeping things simple. We made a substrate with 20lbs of oak pellets and 42lbs of water. After soaking overnight, we bagged it up and mixed in shiitake or golden oyster grain spawn (1.25lbs/bag) and had mycelium running in three days. Attached is a picture today after two weeks. Not the best picture quality, sorry, but you can see the amount of mycelium at this point. We’ve been buying North Spore products for about two years because of the superior quality and have had great results.
Best Spawn I Have Found
I have ordered the Shiitake and Lion's Mane spawn and both have been healthy and produced top notch mushrooms. Will buy again and again.
Fast colonization
I started my blocks on April 25th and here at May 15th, they are colonizing nicely! I am already seeing some signs of popcorn'ing .
Great spawn !
Great spawn within two weeks the bottom of my tubes were completely covered with mycelium ! Great fast shipping will buy again .