Lions Mane Intermediate Instructions

Fruiting a Lion's Mane mushroom block involves creating the right conditions for the mycelium to produce mushrooms. 

Materials Needed:

• Fully colonized Lion's Mane mushroom block (mycelium colonized substrate)
• Sharp knife or scissors
• Humidity tent or fruiting chamber
• Spray bottle with clean water
• Hygrometer (optional, to monitor humidity)
• Small fan (optional, for air circulation)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preparation

1. Inspect the block: Ensure that the block is fully colonized and has turned white with mycelium. Any signs of contamination (green, black, or other colored spots) should be addressed before proceeding.
2. Choose the fruiting site: Identify a clean, well-ventilated area with indirect light where you will fruit the block.

2. Create Openings

1. Cut slits or holes: Using a sharp knife or scissors, make 2-3 slits or X-shaped cuts on the surface of the block. These should be about 2-3 inches in length and spaced evenly around the block. The mushrooms will emerge from these openings.

3. Setting Up the Fruiting Environment

1. Humidity tent or fruiting chamber: Place the block inside a humidity tent or fruiting chamber. This can be a clear plastic tote or a makeshift tent using plastic sheeting.
2. Maintain humidity: Use a spray bottle to mist the inside of the tent or chamber 2-3 times a day to keep the humidity high, ideally between 85-95%. If using a hygrometer, monitor the humidity levels regularly.

4. Environmental Conditions

1. Temperature: Maintain a temperature of 60-70°F (15-21°C). Slight fluctuations are okay, but avoid extreme temperatures.
2. Light: Provide indirect light for 12 hours a day. Natural light from a window or a fluorescent light works well.
3. Air circulation: Ensure good air circulation to prevent mold and allow for fresh air exchange. You can use a small fan set on low near the fruiting area, but avoid blowing directly on the block.

5. Maintenance and Monitoring

1. Misting: Continue misting the block and the inside of the tent/chamber to maintain high humidity. Be careful not to over-saturate the block directly.
2. Check for growth: After a week or so, you should start to see small, white, coral-like growths forming at the cuts. These are the initial stages of the mushrooms.

6. Harvesting

1. Mature mushrooms: The mushrooms are ready to harvest when the spines (teeth) elongate and the mushroom has a pom-pom appearance. This usually occurs about 1-2 weeks after the initial growth appears.
2. Harvest: Gently twist or cut the mushrooms off at the base using a clean knife or scissors. Harvest before the spines start to turn brown to ensure the best texture and flavor.

7. Second Flush

1. Rest period: After the first harvest, allow the block to rest for about a week. Maintain the humidity and temperature conditions.
2. Rehydrate if necessary: If the block appears dry, you can soak it in water for a few hours and then drain it before placing it back in the fruiting environment.
3. Repeat the process: Make new cuts if needed and continue the misting and care routine to encourage additional flushes of mushrooms.

By following these steps, you can successfully fruit Lion's Mane mushrooms from a block, enjoying multiple harvests of these delicious and healthful mushrooms.