A Fungus Fit For a King

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SHIITAKE CULTIVATION

The best "culture" on which to grow the shiitake contains straw, corncobs, 10% oak bark (an important ingredient), and up to 50% paper. Oat hulls, sawdust, and other similar farm wastes can also be employed, but—whatever you use—be sure to grind the material up well.

Of course, you'll also need mushroom seed (or spawn, as it's properly called). :This can be obtained from The Kinoko Company (Dept. TMEN, 8139 Capwell Drive, Oakland, California 94621) at $9.95, postpaid, for 500 grams. (Write ,and ask for a catalog.) Use about one ounce (28 grams) of spawn per pound of dry waste. If you purchase already seeded wood chips, simply allow five to ten chips for each standard compost container, described below. (Or experiment by ordering a ready-to-sprout "Shiitake Mushroom Log" for $21.95 postpaid from The Lovin' Spoonful, Dept. TMEN, 28 Durham Drive, Dix Hills, New York 11746.)

To construct your "tray", make a frame from softwood 1 X 6's (mine is 2' X 3'), being sure to use waterproof glue. Staple a screen of wire mesh (with 1" to 2" holes) to one side of the frame, and then affix 12 storm window clips to hold another (removable) piece of wire screen to the back. For convenience, a metal handle can be fastened to the top (one of the shorter sides).

Now, pack the tray well with the compost mixture and pour boiling water—about a gallon for every pound of dry material—over the waste. (This should be done in an old tub so that the straw can soak up the water.)

An alternative method is to heat a large drum of water to boiling and "dunk" the entire loaded tray. (This technique is preferable when more than one container is being "pasteurized".) After several minutes remove the tray from the water, allow it to drain, and cover it with a clean polyethylene bag (plastic trash bags work fine).

PLANT YOUR CROP

The mixture should then be allowed to cool to 85°F, a process which can take from one to three days. At that point, uncover the tray . . . remove the wire backing . . . and—with clean hands—mix in the spawn. (If seed-inoculated wood chips are used, simply push them into the mixture without removing the screen.) Recover the container with the plastic bag, seal the wrap well, and allow the cage to sit in a dark place.

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