文章
Miss Chen
2017年12月03日
The edible morel mushroom grows throughout the U.S. Rumors and old wives' tales suggest that the morel mushroom pops up overnight, due to the fast-pace at which these mushrooms emerge and reach mature heights.
Growing Season
Morel mushrooms have a short growing season that generally lasts only a month or less. This growing season occurs between early April and the middle of May, depending on the exact region.
Specific Requirements
Morels prefer damp habitats, shaded within the forest. They have trouble growing in too much or too little rainfall. Daytime temperatures that range in the 60s and 70s with nighttime temperatures no lower than 40 degrees also help to provide the best growing environment.
Growth Patterns
Morel spores with access to water and soil grow into cells within 10 to 12 days and mature into full-grown mushrooms with spongy caps after just 12 to 15 days, according to an article by Thomas J. Volk of the University of Wisconsin in La Crosse.
Growing Season
Morel mushrooms have a short growing season that generally lasts only a month or less. This growing season occurs between early April and the middle of May, depending on the exact region.
Specific Requirements
Morels prefer damp habitats, shaded within the forest. They have trouble growing in too much or too little rainfall. Daytime temperatures that range in the 60s and 70s with nighttime temperatures no lower than 40 degrees also help to provide the best growing environment.
Growth Patterns
Morel spores with access to water and soil grow into cells within 10 to 12 days and mature into full-grown mushrooms with spongy caps after just 12 to 15 days, according to an article by Thomas J. Volk of the University of Wisconsin in La Crosse.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年12月03日
According to the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources more than 1,700 species of mushrooms grow in fields and wooded areas of the state. Six varieties of morels have been documented growing in deciduous forests throughout the state during a brief period between mid-April and mid-May. If you are planning to hunt morels, do you homework or hunt with a knowledgeable person to avoid collecting the poisonous conifer false morel.
Canaan Valley
Located in the northeastern portion of West Virginia, the Canaan Valley is a forested areas known to have morels. Since these mushrooms grow wild and tend to grow where annual conditions are optimal, there is no one area designated as morel country. Morels have been found by locals in many areas of the valley and some finds are concentrated around higher forest elevations near 3,000 feet after the snow pack has disappeared.
Eastern Panhandle
The Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia consists of the areas around Martinsburg. Morels have been found in rural forested areas north and east of town by local recreational morel hunters. Morels are also located in the forested regions that border the Maryland state line.
Monongahela National Forest
The Monongahela National Forest covers a 919,000-acre area in the central part of West Virginia. The Forest takes up parts of 10 West Virginia counties. The higher western elevations of the forest leading up to the highest point at 4,863-foot Spruce Knob, have been known to produce morels in the wet early spring months of mid-April through mid-May. Look for morels near trees that attract the fungi, such as elm and ash, two of the 75 types of trees found in the national forest. elm trees may be a safer bet since some of West Virginia's ash population has been killed and removed due to ash borer beetles.
Monongahela National Forest 200 Sycamore St. Elkins, WV 26241 304-636-1800 fs.usda.gov
Canaan Valley
Located in the northeastern portion of West Virginia, the Canaan Valley is a forested areas known to have morels. Since these mushrooms grow wild and tend to grow where annual conditions are optimal, there is no one area designated as morel country. Morels have been found by locals in many areas of the valley and some finds are concentrated around higher forest elevations near 3,000 feet after the snow pack has disappeared.
Eastern Panhandle
The Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia consists of the areas around Martinsburg. Morels have been found in rural forested areas north and east of town by local recreational morel hunters. Morels are also located in the forested regions that border the Maryland state line.
Monongahela National Forest
The Monongahela National Forest covers a 919,000-acre area in the central part of West Virginia. The Forest takes up parts of 10 West Virginia counties. The higher western elevations of the forest leading up to the highest point at 4,863-foot Spruce Knob, have been known to produce morels in the wet early spring months of mid-April through mid-May. Look for morels near trees that attract the fungi, such as elm and ash, two of the 75 types of trees found in the national forest. elm trees may be a safer bet since some of West Virginia's ash population has been killed and removed due to ash borer beetles.
Monongahela National Forest 200 Sycamore St. Elkins, WV 26241 304-636-1800 fs.usda.gov
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年12月02日
The forests of North America are full of delicious fungi growing on the sides of trees. They can be boiled or stir fried and go well with Western and Asian cooking. However, look-a-likes exist that closely resemble edible fungus, yet are poisonous. It is critical for fungus collectors to know which kinds of fungus are safe to eat and which to avoid.
Oyster Mushroom
During spring, summer, fall and even during warm winter periods, the oyster mushroom grows in large clumps on the sides of trees. The mushroom is around 2 to 8 inches wide and is white, tan or off-white-colored. It has white gills under its wide cap that run down a short stem to the bark of the tree. This mushroom has a few look-a-likes, but they are not poisonous, only unpleasant. Check the reference below for a sample picture of the fungus.
Sulfur Shelf
The sulfur shelf fungus is easy to spot by its bright orange top and sulfur-yellow pores under the cap. Some are peach or salmon colored instead of bright orange. This fungus is also known as chicken mushroom and chicken of the woods. The caps range in size from 2 to 12 inches wide. The reference below contains reference pictures of this fungus. The fungus grows from summer to fall on living and dead trees. There are no close look-a-likes for this fungus. However, be careful as this mushroom can cause a mild allergic reaction in some people in the form of swollen lips. This mushroom has the texture and taste of chicken when cooked.
Wood Ear Fungus
This is a famous edible fungus that also goes by the names of cloud ear mushroom and ear of Judas mushroom. The wood ear fungus is pale off-white color or black and jelly-like in texture. It grows on the sides of trees. and can be dehydrated and re-hydrated for cooking. This fungus is often an ingredient in Chinese and other Asian dishes. Photos appear in the reference for wood ear.
Oyster Mushroom
During spring, summer, fall and even during warm winter periods, the oyster mushroom grows in large clumps on the sides of trees. The mushroom is around 2 to 8 inches wide and is white, tan or off-white-colored. It has white gills under its wide cap that run down a short stem to the bark of the tree. This mushroom has a few look-a-likes, but they are not poisonous, only unpleasant. Check the reference below for a sample picture of the fungus.
Sulfur Shelf
The sulfur shelf fungus is easy to spot by its bright orange top and sulfur-yellow pores under the cap. Some are peach or salmon colored instead of bright orange. This fungus is also known as chicken mushroom and chicken of the woods. The caps range in size from 2 to 12 inches wide. The reference below contains reference pictures of this fungus. The fungus grows from summer to fall on living and dead trees. There are no close look-a-likes for this fungus. However, be careful as this mushroom can cause a mild allergic reaction in some people in the form of swollen lips. This mushroom has the texture and taste of chicken when cooked.
Wood Ear Fungus
This is a famous edible fungus that also goes by the names of cloud ear mushroom and ear of Judas mushroom. The wood ear fungus is pale off-white color or black and jelly-like in texture. It grows on the sides of trees. and can be dehydrated and re-hydrated for cooking. This fungus is often an ingredient in Chinese and other Asian dishes. Photos appear in the reference for wood ear.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年12月02日
Mushroom growing is a unique type of gardening. Mushrooms are really the fruit of a fungus that is grown from spores, or "mycelium," a mat of developing spores. Mycelium is also called mushroom "spawn." Ordinary soil does not provide the right kind of nutrients for growing mushrooms. Instead, other materials such as straw, sawdust, wood chips and compost are used as growing medium, called a "substrate." Different types of mushrooms require different kinds of substrate.
Wood Chips
According to the University of California at Davis, wood chips can be used as the soil medium for those mushrooms that grow well on wood substrates. Mushrooms that grow in woody materials include oyster, shiitake, reishi, maitake and lion's mane mushrooms. You can purchase pre-sterilized wood chips ready for culturing the mushroom spawn.
Compost
Compost is a substrate that requires the most time to prepare, but it makes an effective soil-substitute for growing mushrooms. Compost is a mixture of yard waste, like leaves, grass clippings, weeds and branches, with kitchen waste like coffee grounds, vegetable scraps, eggshells and shells. This matter is kept moist and warm until it deteriorates into a rich, loamy soil-like material. You can make your own compost in a small enclosure in your yard in two to four months, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. White button mushrooms prefer compost as substrate.
Straw
Straw can also be use as the substrate soil-substitute for growing mushrooms. According to Shroomery, cut wheat or barley straw into 2 to 4 inch pieces and pasteurized by putting it into 150-degree F water for 1 hour, then removed and allowed to drain. It is then cooled to room temperature. It is then placed in a bag with the mushroom mycelium, punctured several times and allowed to grow. Once the mycelium spreads on the surface, the bag is opened and the mushrooms are exposed to the air.
Horse Manure
Horse manure grows mushrooms easily if composted well and mixed with straw. You can then place the mushroom spawn on the surface of the manure compost and rub it into the surface. A bit of lime will help the mushrooms grow. Do not water the manure compost for four weeks, as there is sufficient moisture in the compost, according to CountryFarm Lifestyle. You can purchase sterilized and composted horse manure for your mushroom substrate.
Potting Soil
You can also use ordinary potting soil to grow mushrooms, but you must add additional organic material for the mushroom spawn to eat. Coffee beans, cut in half and soaked in water for five minutes, then placed on the soil gives the potting soil more structure and nutrients for growing mushrooms. Adding vermiculite will give the soil additional body to hold the spawn.
Wood Chips
According to the University of California at Davis, wood chips can be used as the soil medium for those mushrooms that grow well on wood substrates. Mushrooms that grow in woody materials include oyster, shiitake, reishi, maitake and lion's mane mushrooms. You can purchase pre-sterilized wood chips ready for culturing the mushroom spawn.
Compost
Compost is a substrate that requires the most time to prepare, but it makes an effective soil-substitute for growing mushrooms. Compost is a mixture of yard waste, like leaves, grass clippings, weeds and branches, with kitchen waste like coffee grounds, vegetable scraps, eggshells and shells. This matter is kept moist and warm until it deteriorates into a rich, loamy soil-like material. You can make your own compost in a small enclosure in your yard in two to four months, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. White button mushrooms prefer compost as substrate.
Straw
Straw can also be use as the substrate soil-substitute for growing mushrooms. According to Shroomery, cut wheat or barley straw into 2 to 4 inch pieces and pasteurized by putting it into 150-degree F water for 1 hour, then removed and allowed to drain. It is then cooled to room temperature. It is then placed in a bag with the mushroom mycelium, punctured several times and allowed to grow. Once the mycelium spreads on the surface, the bag is opened and the mushrooms are exposed to the air.
Horse Manure
Horse manure grows mushrooms easily if composted well and mixed with straw. You can then place the mushroom spawn on the surface of the manure compost and rub it into the surface. A bit of lime will help the mushrooms grow. Do not water the manure compost for four weeks, as there is sufficient moisture in the compost, according to CountryFarm Lifestyle. You can purchase sterilized and composted horse manure for your mushroom substrate.
Potting Soil
You can also use ordinary potting soil to grow mushrooms, but you must add additional organic material for the mushroom spawn to eat. Coffee beans, cut in half and soaked in water for five minutes, then placed on the soil gives the potting soil more structure and nutrients for growing mushrooms. Adding vermiculite will give the soil additional body to hold the spawn.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年12月01日
If you have ever wanted to grow mushrooms to save money buying them, you might also consider growing them as a small start-up business. Once you learn the basics of mushroom cultivation, it does not take much more effort or training to grow them in sufficient quantities to market and sell. Because mushrooms remain in high demand and command many dollars per pound, you can sell them to wholesalers or offer them at retail prices and make a hefty profit.
Marketing
Step 1
Establish buyer accounts with retail markets such as local grocery stores known to work with local growers, farmers' markets or restaurants. Retail markets will charge either a shelf fee for your product, a commission on each sale, or they might purchase the product outright.
Step 2
Register accounts at food co-op websites like Skagitvalleyfoodcoop.com or Puget Sound Food Network (see resources), and schedule times to market your product line to vendors and distributors.
Step 3
Establish buyer accounts with local wholesale markets such restaurant owners or retailers wanting to carry a new product line. Wholesale customer require deep discounts, but they purchase in bulk. They also require consistent delivery of products.
Step 4
Obtain recipes to broaden your product base to include mushroom sauces and dried mushrooms. Although you will want to market your fresh products, you can create more sales with a larger product line.
Business Preparation
Step 1
Obtain a tax ID number for your business, commonly known as an employer identification number (EIN) by visiting IRS.gov and completing online form SS-4. You will receive your EIN immediately, and with it you can report your business income for tax purposes.
Step 2
Obtain your sales tax ID number by visiting the directory of state government sales tax departments at SkipMcgrath.com. Click your state to go to the appropriate state government website, and apply for your sales tax number by completing the online Retailers' Sales Compensating Use and Withholding Taxes form. You will receive your sales tax number immediately, and you can use it to establish vendor accounts, so you don't have to pay sales tax on item or ingredients used for resale products.
Step 3
Choose a name for your business by visiting website like Bizfiling.com or Mycorporation.com to determine the availability of your business name. To encourage initial sales, the business name should consist of a unique, catchy, customer-friendly name that clearly identifies your product.
Step 4
Visit your city hall to obtain your local licensing and permits that include fictitious name permit, local operating license, health department license and sales tax license. The fictitious name permit allows you to operate your mushroom business under the name you've chosen, and the local operating license allows you to conduct business from a location within the city limits. You need a health department license to sell food, and you can use your sales tax identification to obtain your local sales tax license.
Product Planning and Preparation
Step 1
Establish a location for mushroom cultivation, knowing that it should allow high humidity levels of 95 to 100 percent and near total darkness. Starting temperatures must remain at 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and general cultivation temperature should remain at 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2
Decide what types of mushrooms you want to grow, knowing that shiitake mushrooms provide an acceptable meat substitute for vegetarians and provide relatively easy cultivation. White button mushrooms offer a popular option for mushroom sellers, and portabello mushrooms require lengthy cultivation times as they represent the final stage of portobellini mushrooms.
Step 3
Purchase your operating and growing supplies that include heating pads, growing pots, fertilizer, spray bottles, garden shears, food-grade packaging, cellophane wrapping, 8 1/2- by 11-inch sheets of price stickers, laser or inkjet printer, a thermometer and a portable humidifier with automatic humidity monitoring.
Step 4
Purchase your spores or spawns either online at Earthstongue.com, Sporestore.com or Naturalmushrooms.com. Spores consist of the equivalent of mushroom seeds, and spawns consist of young mushrooms already growing.
Step 5
Purchase or prepare your growing mediums, which can include "grow logs" for shiitake mushrooms or shallow 2-inch or four-inch ceramic bowls for white button mushrooms or portobello mushrooms.
Growing and Harvesting
Step 1
Place the spores in the grow log or ceramic bowls, and heat them to 70 degrees Fahrenheit using the heating pad. Allow them to heat for approximately three weeks.
Step 2
Move the growing medium to the location designated as the growing location. It must remain between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit at near total-dark conditions.
Step 3
Allow the mushrooms to cultivate for three to four weeks.
Step 4
Harvest the mushrooms when the mushroom umbrellas form fully and the hood clears the stem.
Step 5
Package and prepare for your markets.
Marketing
Step 1
Establish buyer accounts with retail markets such as local grocery stores known to work with local growers, farmers' markets or restaurants. Retail markets will charge either a shelf fee for your product, a commission on each sale, or they might purchase the product outright.
Step 2
Register accounts at food co-op websites like Skagitvalleyfoodcoop.com or Puget Sound Food Network (see resources), and schedule times to market your product line to vendors and distributors.
Step 3
Establish buyer accounts with local wholesale markets such restaurant owners or retailers wanting to carry a new product line. Wholesale customer require deep discounts, but they purchase in bulk. They also require consistent delivery of products.
Step 4
Obtain recipes to broaden your product base to include mushroom sauces and dried mushrooms. Although you will want to market your fresh products, you can create more sales with a larger product line.
Business Preparation
Step 1
Obtain a tax ID number for your business, commonly known as an employer identification number (EIN) by visiting IRS.gov and completing online form SS-4. You will receive your EIN immediately, and with it you can report your business income for tax purposes.
Step 2
Obtain your sales tax ID number by visiting the directory of state government sales tax departments at SkipMcgrath.com. Click your state to go to the appropriate state government website, and apply for your sales tax number by completing the online Retailers' Sales Compensating Use and Withholding Taxes form. You will receive your sales tax number immediately, and you can use it to establish vendor accounts, so you don't have to pay sales tax on item or ingredients used for resale products.
Step 3
Choose a name for your business by visiting website like Bizfiling.com or Mycorporation.com to determine the availability of your business name. To encourage initial sales, the business name should consist of a unique, catchy, customer-friendly name that clearly identifies your product.
Step 4
Visit your city hall to obtain your local licensing and permits that include fictitious name permit, local operating license, health department license and sales tax license. The fictitious name permit allows you to operate your mushroom business under the name you've chosen, and the local operating license allows you to conduct business from a location within the city limits. You need a health department license to sell food, and you can use your sales tax identification to obtain your local sales tax license.
Product Planning and Preparation
Step 1
Establish a location for mushroom cultivation, knowing that it should allow high humidity levels of 95 to 100 percent and near total darkness. Starting temperatures must remain at 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and general cultivation temperature should remain at 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2
Decide what types of mushrooms you want to grow, knowing that shiitake mushrooms provide an acceptable meat substitute for vegetarians and provide relatively easy cultivation. White button mushrooms offer a popular option for mushroom sellers, and portabello mushrooms require lengthy cultivation times as they represent the final stage of portobellini mushrooms.
Step 3
Purchase your operating and growing supplies that include heating pads, growing pots, fertilizer, spray bottles, garden shears, food-grade packaging, cellophane wrapping, 8 1/2- by 11-inch sheets of price stickers, laser or inkjet printer, a thermometer and a portable humidifier with automatic humidity monitoring.
Step 4
Purchase your spores or spawns either online at Earthstongue.com, Sporestore.com or Naturalmushrooms.com. Spores consist of the equivalent of mushroom seeds, and spawns consist of young mushrooms already growing.
Step 5
Purchase or prepare your growing mediums, which can include "grow logs" for shiitake mushrooms or shallow 2-inch or four-inch ceramic bowls for white button mushrooms or portobello mushrooms.
Growing and Harvesting
Step 1
Place the spores in the grow log or ceramic bowls, and heat them to 70 degrees Fahrenheit using the heating pad. Allow them to heat for approximately three weeks.
Step 2
Move the growing medium to the location designated as the growing location. It must remain between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit at near total-dark conditions.
Step 3
Allow the mushrooms to cultivate for three to four weeks.
Step 4
Harvest the mushrooms when the mushroom umbrellas form fully and the hood clears the stem.
Step 5
Package and prepare for your markets.
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Nathaniel Ziering
2017年11月30日
Impatiens growing better indoors than they did all spring/summer outdoors. Go figure! I have it near humidifier and direct southeast sunlight.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年11月30日
While the easiest method of growing mushrooms is to start with spawn that has been isolated by a professional mushroom-grower, for a big challenge you can grow mushrooms from store-bought mushrooms by creating an innoculation room and obtaining a sterile culture at home.
Reproduction
Mushrooms reproduce through spores. Fungal cell strands then grow together to form a mycelium. From the mycelium, mushrooms grow on wood or in wood products like sawdust.
Types
Pure fungal strains are isolated to produce spawn for specific species of mushroom such as shiitake, enoke, oyster, morel or button mushrooms, such as those commonly found at the grocery store.
Method
If you are industrious you can create an innoculation room in your home to use to isolate mushroom spawn. The room is a controlled space designed to decrease the competition in the natural environment so that mushroom spores are more likely to reproduce. By taking a sample of tissue from a store-bought mushroom and following the process of creating spawn, you can create the same strain of mushroom as the one you started with.
Reproduction
Mushrooms reproduce through spores. Fungal cell strands then grow together to form a mycelium. From the mycelium, mushrooms grow on wood or in wood products like sawdust.
Types
Pure fungal strains are isolated to produce spawn for specific species of mushroom such as shiitake, enoke, oyster, morel or button mushrooms, such as those commonly found at the grocery store.
Method
If you are industrious you can create an innoculation room in your home to use to isolate mushroom spawn. The room is a controlled space designed to decrease the competition in the natural environment so that mushroom spores are more likely to reproduce. By taking a sample of tissue from a store-bought mushroom and following the process of creating spawn, you can create the same strain of mushroom as the one you started with.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年11月28日
Considered by some to be a delicacy surpassed only by truffles, morel mushrooms are one of the most highly coveted species of wild fungi. Because of their preference for growing in moist, but not wet areas, morel mushrooms grow predominantly in the wild in shaded areas of south facing slopes. As morels are one of the most easily recognizable of all wild mushroom species, you can easily tell if it's a morel mushroom by looking for a few unique characteristics.
Step 1
Look for an elongated, cone shaped cap. Morels have a cap that flares out from the top of the stem and almost immediately begins to taper to a rounded top.
Step 2
Examine the distinctively identifying irregular honeycomb, latticework structure covering the entire cap of the mushroom. The raised lattice-like ridges are highly discernable with deep, clearly defined cavities between ridges. This honeycomb characteristic alone is enough to positively identify a morel mushroom, as no other species of wild mushroom has this trait.
Step 3
Cut the morel lengthwise, down the middle of the stem and cap, with a knife. Both the stem and cap on morels are completely hollow.
Step 4
Inspect the cut stem of the mushroom. Neophyte mushroom hunters sometimes mistake "false morels" for actual morels. However, confusion is easily eliminated. False morels have a smooth, irregular shaped, wavy cap somewhat resembling brain matter. Additionally, the stem of false morels is solid and continues all the way to the top of the mushroom's cap. The stem of a true morel ends where the stem joins the base of its cap.
Step 1
Look for an elongated, cone shaped cap. Morels have a cap that flares out from the top of the stem and almost immediately begins to taper to a rounded top.
Step 2
Examine the distinctively identifying irregular honeycomb, latticework structure covering the entire cap of the mushroom. The raised lattice-like ridges are highly discernable with deep, clearly defined cavities between ridges. This honeycomb characteristic alone is enough to positively identify a morel mushroom, as no other species of wild mushroom has this trait.
Step 3
Cut the morel lengthwise, down the middle of the stem and cap, with a knife. Both the stem and cap on morels are completely hollow.
Step 4
Inspect the cut stem of the mushroom. Neophyte mushroom hunters sometimes mistake "false morels" for actual morels. However, confusion is easily eliminated. False morels have a smooth, irregular shaped, wavy cap somewhat resembling brain matter. Additionally, the stem of false morels is solid and continues all the way to the top of the mushroom's cap. The stem of a true morel ends where the stem joins the base of its cap.
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成长记
pzsoofi
2017年11月28日
Turning pink and growing new little “bubbles” and roots (finally, ROOTS!!!). This little plant is so thankful. I hope the new leaves will stay more tightly packed due to all these sunrays coming through the window :)
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年11月27日
Considered by some to be a delicacy surpassed only by truffles, morel mushrooms are one of the most highly coveted species of wild fungi. Because of their preference for growing in moist, but not wet areas, morel mushrooms grow predominantly in the wild in shaded areas of south facing slopes. As morels are one of the most easily recognizable of all wild mushroom species, you can easily tell if it's a morel mushroom by looking for a few unique characteristics.
Step 1
Look for an elongated, cone shaped cap. Morels have a cap that flares out from the top of the stem and almost immediately begins to taper to a rounded top.
Step 2
Examine the distinctively identifying irregular honeycomb, latticework structure covering the entire cap of the mushroom. The raised lattice-like ridges are highly discernable with deep, clearly defined cavities between ridges. This honeycomb characteristic alone is enough to positively identify a morel mushroom, as no other species of wild mushroom has this trait.
Step 3
Cut the morel lengthwise, down the middle of the stem and cap, with a knife. Both the stem and cap on morels are completely hollow.
Step 4
Inspect the cut stem of the mushroom. Neophyte mushroom hunters sometimes mistake "false morels" for actual morels. However, confusion is easily eliminated. False morels have a smooth, irregular shaped, wavy cap somewhat resembling brain matter. Additionally, the stem of false morels is solid and continues all the way to the top of the mushroom's cap. The stem of a true morel ends where the stem joins the base of its cap.
Step 1
Look for an elongated, cone shaped cap. Morels have a cap that flares out from the top of the stem and almost immediately begins to taper to a rounded top.
Step 2
Examine the distinctively identifying irregular honeycomb, latticework structure covering the entire cap of the mushroom. The raised lattice-like ridges are highly discernable with deep, clearly defined cavities between ridges. This honeycomb characteristic alone is enough to positively identify a morel mushroom, as no other species of wild mushroom has this trait.
Step 3
Cut the morel lengthwise, down the middle of the stem and cap, with a knife. Both the stem and cap on morels are completely hollow.
Step 4
Inspect the cut stem of the mushroom. Neophyte mushroom hunters sometimes mistake "false morels" for actual morels. However, confusion is easily eliminated. False morels have a smooth, irregular shaped, wavy cap somewhat resembling brain matter. Additionally, the stem of false morels is solid and continues all the way to the top of the mushroom's cap. The stem of a true morel ends where the stem joins the base of its cap.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年11月26日
Mushrooms are a wild plant that can be delicious when added to salads or tomato sauce, but not all mushrooms are safe to eat. If you live in the Maryland area, it may be tempting to pick mushrooms you find growing in your yard or in a wooded area nearby, but this may not be safe, depending on the species you find. Identifying species of mushroom found in Maryland can help prevent accidental poisoning.
Black-footed Polypore
Black-footed polypores are usually found on decaying deciduous wood between August and December. They grow individually or in groups. These mushrooms are easily identifiable. The caps are usually between 1 1/2 and almost 8 inches wide and are dark reddish-brown. The color gets paler toward the edges. Black-footed polypores are inedible. Their scientific name is Polyporus badius.
Autumn Skullcap
Autumn skullcaps have small caps, which are usually only 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches across. They can be found in forests or natural areas, usually on rotted wood. They grow individually or in small clusters. The autumn skullcap, which is also called the deadly Galernia, is poisonous if ingested. In fact, they are so toxic that they can be fatal if eaten. The scientific name of the autumn skullcap is Galernia autumnalis.
Honey Mushroom
The honey mushroom is usually found at the base of deciduous trees or pines or on old stumps. In some cases, the mushrooms behave as parasites by living on live shrubs or trees. The individual caps can grow up to 4 inches across and the stalks are about 3/4 inches wide, and can grow up to 6 inches high. True honey mushrooms are edible, but some people's stomachs can be upset by them. There are also poisonous mushrooms that are very similar in appearance. The scientific name for the honey mushroom is Armillariella mellea.
Crown-tipped Coral Fungus
These mushrooms look like coral found on the ocean floor, and grow on logs that are well decayed. They are common, and edible, either raw or cooked. The scientific name of these mushrooms is Clavicorona pyxidata. This particular mushroom is only one type of Clavicorona mushrooms.
Netted Rhodotus
The netted Rhodotus are usually found between June and September on dead deciduous wood, either scattered or in groups. The caps of these mushrooms are 1 to 2 inches across. They are red or pink with white ridges that look like netting over the caps. The stalks are around 1 to 2 inches thick and measure 1 to 2 inches long. Netted Rhodotus are not a common type of mushroom, and it's unknown if they're edible. The scientific name of the netted Rhodotus is Rhodotus palmatus.
Black-footed Polypore
Black-footed polypores are usually found on decaying deciduous wood between August and December. They grow individually or in groups. These mushrooms are easily identifiable. The caps are usually between 1 1/2 and almost 8 inches wide and are dark reddish-brown. The color gets paler toward the edges. Black-footed polypores are inedible. Their scientific name is Polyporus badius.
Autumn Skullcap
Autumn skullcaps have small caps, which are usually only 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches across. They can be found in forests or natural areas, usually on rotted wood. They grow individually or in small clusters. The autumn skullcap, which is also called the deadly Galernia, is poisonous if ingested. In fact, they are so toxic that they can be fatal if eaten. The scientific name of the autumn skullcap is Galernia autumnalis.
Honey Mushroom
The honey mushroom is usually found at the base of deciduous trees or pines or on old stumps. In some cases, the mushrooms behave as parasites by living on live shrubs or trees. The individual caps can grow up to 4 inches across and the stalks are about 3/4 inches wide, and can grow up to 6 inches high. True honey mushrooms are edible, but some people's stomachs can be upset by them. There are also poisonous mushrooms that are very similar in appearance. The scientific name for the honey mushroom is Armillariella mellea.
Crown-tipped Coral Fungus
These mushrooms look like coral found on the ocean floor, and grow on logs that are well decayed. They are common, and edible, either raw or cooked. The scientific name of these mushrooms is Clavicorona pyxidata. This particular mushroom is only one type of Clavicorona mushrooms.
Netted Rhodotus
The netted Rhodotus are usually found between June and September on dead deciduous wood, either scattered or in groups. The caps of these mushrooms are 1 to 2 inches across. They are red or pink with white ridges that look like netting over the caps. The stalks are around 1 to 2 inches thick and measure 1 to 2 inches long. Netted Rhodotus are not a common type of mushroom, and it's unknown if they're edible. The scientific name of the netted Rhodotus is Rhodotus palmatus.
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Miss Chen
2017年11月26日
Grow edible mushrooms quickly in your home with a few supplies. The optimal growing environment produces mushrooms in about four weeks with harvest several weeks later, depending on the variety. Choose button (Agaricus bisporus), shiitake (Lentinula edodes) or oyster (Pleurotus species) mushrooms for the best results when growing mushrooms quickly at home.
Step 1
Make a mushroom grow box by cutting 11 sections that are each 50 inches long from 6-inch wide, untreated lumber planks. Attach four planks together at their ends with 2-inch long nails, making a box frame that is about 50 inches long and 6 inches deep. Nail the remaining seven planks along the box frame's bottom with 1-inch gaps between those planks to allow drainage. The length of planks can be adjusted to fit the space.
Step 2
Set the mushroom grow box in an area that remains dark, has an air temperature of 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and maintains a humidity between 80 and 95 percent.
Step 3
Fill the bottom of the grow box with a 5-inch layer of composted horse manure. Moisten the compost with water, and work it with your hands until it reaches the consistency of a moist sponge.
Step 4
Add a 1/2-inch layer of clean, dry hay on top of the horse manure layer. Add a 1/4-inch layer of composted poultry manure on top of the hay. Moisten the hay and composted poultry manure with water, and work the mixture with your hands until it reaches the consistency of a moist sponge.
Step 5
Sprinkle ammonium nitrate and gypsum lightly on top of the grow box's contents.
Step 6
Let the grow box rest until the growing medium reaches a temperature of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The growing medium should remain at that temperature during the mushroom growing process.
Step 7
Sprinkle mushroom spores evenly over the growing medium in the grow box, using the amount of spores listed for the grow box's size on the mushroom spores' package. Work the growing medium to a depth of 2 inches to incorporate the spores into the medium.
Step 8
Mist the top of the growing medium with water by using a water mister. Place two or three layers of newspaper on top of the growing medium. The newspaper holds in moisture and keeps light from the spores. Lift the edge of the newspaper layers every day to inspect the growing medium. Remove the layers of newspaper when white fungus appears on the top of the growing medium. Keep the light level dark after removing the newspaper.
Step 9
Mix equal portions of horticultural limestone and sphagnum moss. Sprinkle about a 1-inch layer of the mixture over top of the fungus in the growing bed for a casing treatment. The box's contents will mound slightly above the top of the box. Mist the growing bed with warm water, moistening the contents without making them wet. Repeat the water misting task several times each week, keeping the environment moist while mushrooms grow. Avoid letting the growing bed's contents dry out or become saturated with water.
Step 10
Monitor the mushrooms for the presence of fungus gnats and flies. Hang a sticky insect strip above the top of the mushroom grow box to kill catch the insects.
Step 11
Monitor the mushrooms for deformed or stunted growth, a sign of a fungal disease. Apply a food-safe fungicide if the mushrooms display either symptom after the casing treatment. Follow the fungicide package's instructions to determine the amount of fungicide to use for the grow box's size.
Step 1
Make a mushroom grow box by cutting 11 sections that are each 50 inches long from 6-inch wide, untreated lumber planks. Attach four planks together at their ends with 2-inch long nails, making a box frame that is about 50 inches long and 6 inches deep. Nail the remaining seven planks along the box frame's bottom with 1-inch gaps between those planks to allow drainage. The length of planks can be adjusted to fit the space.
Step 2
Set the mushroom grow box in an area that remains dark, has an air temperature of 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and maintains a humidity between 80 and 95 percent.
Step 3
Fill the bottom of the grow box with a 5-inch layer of composted horse manure. Moisten the compost with water, and work it with your hands until it reaches the consistency of a moist sponge.
Step 4
Add a 1/2-inch layer of clean, dry hay on top of the horse manure layer. Add a 1/4-inch layer of composted poultry manure on top of the hay. Moisten the hay and composted poultry manure with water, and work the mixture with your hands until it reaches the consistency of a moist sponge.
Step 5
Sprinkle ammonium nitrate and gypsum lightly on top of the grow box's contents.
Step 6
Let the grow box rest until the growing medium reaches a temperature of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The growing medium should remain at that temperature during the mushroom growing process.
Step 7
Sprinkle mushroom spores evenly over the growing medium in the grow box, using the amount of spores listed for the grow box's size on the mushroom spores' package. Work the growing medium to a depth of 2 inches to incorporate the spores into the medium.
Step 8
Mist the top of the growing medium with water by using a water mister. Place two or three layers of newspaper on top of the growing medium. The newspaper holds in moisture and keeps light from the spores. Lift the edge of the newspaper layers every day to inspect the growing medium. Remove the layers of newspaper when white fungus appears on the top of the growing medium. Keep the light level dark after removing the newspaper.
Step 9
Mix equal portions of horticultural limestone and sphagnum moss. Sprinkle about a 1-inch layer of the mixture over top of the fungus in the growing bed for a casing treatment. The box's contents will mound slightly above the top of the box. Mist the growing bed with warm water, moistening the contents without making them wet. Repeat the water misting task several times each week, keeping the environment moist while mushrooms grow. Avoid letting the growing bed's contents dry out or become saturated with water.
Step 10
Monitor the mushrooms for the presence of fungus gnats and flies. Hang a sticky insect strip above the top of the mushroom grow box to kill catch the insects.
Step 11
Monitor the mushrooms for deformed or stunted growth, a sign of a fungal disease. Apply a food-safe fungicide if the mushrooms display either symptom after the casing treatment. Follow the fungicide package's instructions to determine the amount of fungicide to use for the grow box's size.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年11月26日
You can grow your own edible mushrooms in a portable 5-gallon bucket. Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.) are the best choice for bucket growing, because they are less sensitive to growing conditions and less picky about growing media than other varieties of mushrooms. You can grow the mushrooms indoors or outdoors, as long as the mushrooms have the necessary humidity levels and growing temperature.
Step 1
Drill about 10 holes, spaced approximately 6 inches apart, staggered around the center section -- the space that reaches from about 3 inches above the bottom of the bucket to about 3 inches below the top of the bucket -- of a 5-gallon plastic bucket. The mushrooms will grow out of these holes. Use a 1/2-inch drill bit. Dump the plastic shavings out of the bucket after all the holes are drilled.
Step 2
Fill the bucket about half full with moistened growing media. You can use coffee grounds, sawdust, straw or a mixture of the items to form the media.
Step 3
Open the bag of mushroom spawn. The bag is usually about the size of a loaf of bread with the spawn packed in straw or sawdust. Break off some of the spawn and mix it in with the media in the bucket. Continue adding media and mixing in spawn until you have used all the spawn and the mixture is about 1-inch from the top of the bucket.
Step 4
Cover the entire bucket loosely with a clear plastic bag. Cut 12 X-shaped holes around the top and sides of the bag to allow some air to get in. When you see fuzz start to appear, indicating the spawn is colonizing the media, remove the bag and cover the bucket with a lid or just leave the plastic bag cover over the bucket.
Step 5
Place the bucket in a humid environment at a temperature around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Create humidity by misting the bucket daily or by setting the bucket in a tub that contains about 1 inch of water. If the bucket is covered with a bag, mist under the bag. Do not remove the lid from the bucket if you are using a lid. You are not trying to wet the growing media, you are just trying to raise the humidity around the bucket.
Step 6
Increase misting to three times a day when you see mushrooms start to appear in the bucket holes. This takes approximately three to four weeks. As the mushrooms appear, cut an "X" in the plastic bag over each hole that contains mushrooms if you covered the bucket with a bag rather than using a lid. This gives the mushrooms room to grow. Mist the mushrooms that emerge from the holes so they do not dry out. Wet the mushrooms enough that they are shiny, but not dripping or slimy.
Step 7
Break off the mushrooms when they get to the size you want. Mushrooms will continue to grow until the spawn is exhausted. If you do not see any new mushrooms for three weeks, the bucket is done producing.
Step 8
Empty the spent mushroom spawn and media and clean out the bucket to reuse it with a new batch of spawn.
Step 1
Drill about 10 holes, spaced approximately 6 inches apart, staggered around the center section -- the space that reaches from about 3 inches above the bottom of the bucket to about 3 inches below the top of the bucket -- of a 5-gallon plastic bucket. The mushrooms will grow out of these holes. Use a 1/2-inch drill bit. Dump the plastic shavings out of the bucket after all the holes are drilled.
Step 2
Fill the bucket about half full with moistened growing media. You can use coffee grounds, sawdust, straw or a mixture of the items to form the media.
Step 3
Open the bag of mushroom spawn. The bag is usually about the size of a loaf of bread with the spawn packed in straw or sawdust. Break off some of the spawn and mix it in with the media in the bucket. Continue adding media and mixing in spawn until you have used all the spawn and the mixture is about 1-inch from the top of the bucket.
Step 4
Cover the entire bucket loosely with a clear plastic bag. Cut 12 X-shaped holes around the top and sides of the bag to allow some air to get in. When you see fuzz start to appear, indicating the spawn is colonizing the media, remove the bag and cover the bucket with a lid or just leave the plastic bag cover over the bucket.
Step 5
Place the bucket in a humid environment at a temperature around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Create humidity by misting the bucket daily or by setting the bucket in a tub that contains about 1 inch of water. If the bucket is covered with a bag, mist under the bag. Do not remove the lid from the bucket if you are using a lid. You are not trying to wet the growing media, you are just trying to raise the humidity around the bucket.
Step 6
Increase misting to three times a day when you see mushrooms start to appear in the bucket holes. This takes approximately three to four weeks. As the mushrooms appear, cut an "X" in the plastic bag over each hole that contains mushrooms if you covered the bucket with a bag rather than using a lid. This gives the mushrooms room to grow. Mist the mushrooms that emerge from the holes so they do not dry out. Wet the mushrooms enough that they are shiny, but not dripping or slimy.
Step 7
Break off the mushrooms when they get to the size you want. Mushrooms will continue to grow until the spawn is exhausted. If you do not see any new mushrooms for three weeks, the bucket is done producing.
Step 8
Empty the spent mushroom spawn and media and clean out the bucket to reuse it with a new batch of spawn.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年11月25日
Growing your own popcorn does not mean that you will immediately have a movie snack on harvest day. Depending on the variety of popcorn, it will take between 85 and 120 days to mature, according to Mother Earth News. For the popcorn to pop, you must dry it to 13 to 14 percent moisture, according to Iowa State University Extension Office. This can be done either artificially or naturally, depending on your local climate conditions. Allow the popcorn cobs to remain on the stalk as long as possible until the kernels and husks appear dry, but pick the corn and dry it artificially if rain threatens.
Air Dry
Step 1
Remove the husks from the popcorn cobs, then place the cobs into mesh bags.
Step 2
Hang the bags in a dry place, below 130 degrees Fahrenheit, for several weeks until the popcorn kernels appear shriveled. The amount of time will depend on the humidity levels in your climate.
Step 3
Push several kernels off the cob with your thumb and pop them in a popcorn popper to test the moisture content. Shell the remaining popcorn cobs if the kernels pop properly, but leave the other cobs to continue drying if the popcorn does not pop or sticks to the inside of the popper.
Step 4
Shell the dried popcorn kernels with a popcorn sheller or push the kernels off with your thumb. You can refrigerate the popcorn in an airtight container for up to 30 months.
Oven Dry
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2
Remove the husks from the popcorn cobs. Push the kernels of corn off each cob with your thumb. Alternatively, use a popcorn sheller (available from farmer supply stores and via the Internet). Discard the cobs.
Step 3
Arrange the popcorn kernels in a single layer in a large roasting pan, then place the pan in the oven. Turn down the oven to the lowest temperature setting.
Step 4
Dry the popcorn for five hours. Stir it every hour.
Step 5
Turn off the oven and leave the popcorn overnight. You can pop the the kernels right away or refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 30 months.
Air Dry
Step 1
Remove the husks from the popcorn cobs, then place the cobs into mesh bags.
Step 2
Hang the bags in a dry place, below 130 degrees Fahrenheit, for several weeks until the popcorn kernels appear shriveled. The amount of time will depend on the humidity levels in your climate.
Step 3
Push several kernels off the cob with your thumb and pop them in a popcorn popper to test the moisture content. Shell the remaining popcorn cobs if the kernels pop properly, but leave the other cobs to continue drying if the popcorn does not pop or sticks to the inside of the popper.
Step 4
Shell the dried popcorn kernels with a popcorn sheller or push the kernels off with your thumb. You can refrigerate the popcorn in an airtight container for up to 30 months.
Oven Dry
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2
Remove the husks from the popcorn cobs. Push the kernels of corn off each cob with your thumb. Alternatively, use a popcorn sheller (available from farmer supply stores and via the Internet). Discard the cobs.
Step 3
Arrange the popcorn kernels in a single layer in a large roasting pan, then place the pan in the oven. Turn down the oven to the lowest temperature setting.
Step 4
Dry the popcorn for five hours. Stir it every hour.
Step 5
Turn off the oven and leave the popcorn overnight. You can pop the the kernels right away or refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 30 months.
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