Shiitake
Various strains available
(Please note: For cold strain, see the product page for growing conditions)
Scientific Name: Lentinula edodes
Synonyms: Agaricus edodes, Pasania Mushroom, Shaingugu, Hua Gu, Qua Gu
Distribution and Habitat in Nature: Shiitake mushrooms grow saprobically on hardwoods in nature. They are especially common on the Pasania tree (also known as the Castanopsis cuspidata or false chestnut) and other Asian oak and beech species.
Ingredients: Shiitake mushrooms are rich in high-quality nutrients. They contain all essential amino acids, lots of protein, and very little fat. Their most important active ingredients include lentinan, eritadenine, and the sulfur-containing lentionin, which gives them their characteristic aroma. They also provide B vitamins, vitamin D, and minerals such as potassium, zinc, iron, and copper.
Suitable substrate: Hardwood (particularly suitable: oak, beech, birch, alder, chestnut, shiia/pasania)
Usage: Medicinal mushroom, edible mushroom
Shiitake mushrooms are native to Japan, Korea, and China, where their valuable properties have been known for around 2,000 years. They owe their intense aroma, reminiscent of garlic, to the ingredient lenthionine. After button mushrooms, they are considered the most sought-after edible mushrooms worldwide. As a medicinal mushroom, shiitake is traditionally used to support the immune system and promote general vitality.
Taxonomiy:
Kingdom: Fungi
Class: Agaricomycetes
Subclass: Agaricomycetidae
Order: Agaricales
Family: Marasmiaceae
Genus: Lentinula
Spores: white, oval to ellipsoid in shape, between 5-6.5 x 3-3.5 µ
Cultivation Conditions:
Phase 1: Mycelium Growth
Temperature: 21 - 27°C
Humidity: 95 - 100%
Duration: 35 - 70 days
CO2: >10,000 ppm
Air Exchange: 0 - 1 per hour
Light: 50 - 100 Lux
Phase 2: Primordia Formation / Fruiting Initiation
Temperature: 10-24°C (optimal: 15 - 18°C)
Humidity: 95 - 100%
Duration: 5 - 7 days
CO2: <1,000 ppm
Air Exchange: 4 - 7 per hour
Light: 500 - 2,000 Lux
Phase 3: Fruiting and Harvest
Temperature: 10-24°C (optimal: 15 - 18°C)
Humidity: 60 - 80% (for flower shiitake: 60%)
Duration: 7 days
CO2: <1,000 ppm
Air Exchange: 4 - 8 per hour
Light: 500 - 2,000 Lux
