What is Mushroom Spawn?
Mushroom spawn is the vegetative growth of mushrooms, similar to seeds in plants. It is used to start the cultivation process and is essential for growing mushrooms.
Why Sterilize Mushroom Spawn?
Sterilizing mushroom spawn is crucial to eliminate any competing organisms that could hinder mushroom growth. It creates a clean and controlled environment for the mushrooms to thrive.
Materials Needed
To make sterilized mushroom spawn, gather the following materials:
- Mushroom spores or mycelium
- Grain spawn (such as rye, wheat berries or oats)
- Mason jars with lids
- Pressure cooker or autoclave
- Aluminum foil
- Tyvek
- Isopropyl alcohol or hydrogen peroxide
- Disposable gloves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Grain Spawn
Start by rinsing the grain spawn thoroughly to remove any impurities. Then, soak the grains in water for 12-24 hours. Drain the water and transfer the grains to a large pot.
Step 2: Cook the Grain Spawn
Add enough water to the pot to cover the grains. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This process helps to hydrate the grains and kill off any unwanted microorganisms.
Step 3: Drain and Cool the Grain Spawn
After boiling, drain the grains using a colander or strainer. Allow the grains to drain completely. Spread the grains out on a large screen to promote the drying process.
Step 4: Load the Jars
While the grain spawn is cooling, prepare the mason jars. Clean the jars and lids with isopropyl alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to ensure they are sterile. Fill each jar with the cooled grain spawn, leaving some headspace at the top.
Step 5: Cover the Jars
Install the pre-made jar lids with seal healing injection ports and passive micron filters. cover lid with tyvek and install band. Cover the jar lid with aluminum foil to prevent moisture from building up on top of the jars.
Step 6: Sterilize the Jars
Place the jars in a pressure cooker or autoclave. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to sterilize the jars at the recommended temperature and pressure. This process typically takes around 90-120 minutes at a pressure of 15 p.s.i.
Step 7: Cool and Store the Spawn
After sterilization, allow the jars to cool down inside the pressure cooker or autoclave. Once they reach room temperature, transfer them to a clean and dark storage area. The sterilized mushroom spawn can be stored for several months if sealed and stored prBy following these step-by-step instructions, you can create sterilized mushroom spawn, providing an ideal environment for mushroom cultivation. Remember to maintain cleanliness throughout the process to ensure successful mushroom growth.