A Guide to Growing Shiitake Mushrooms
The shiitake mushrooms are a big umbrella shaped dark brown mushroom that have been a major staple in the Chinese diet, as well as being a protein source in Japan for thousands of years. The medicinal effects of this mushroom along with their culinary diversity are part of the reason why they are third of the most widely produced (behind the button and oyster) mushrooms in the world, with America being the most rapidly growing of the markets.
For more than twenty-five years now, shiitake mushrooms have been raised commercially in America, and are gaining in popularity among gourmet shops. They have been included in vegetarian recipes as a substitute for meat because of their rich flavor and meaty texture. They will fetch wholesale prices of around $5.00 to $9.00 a pound and those who raise them will usually get about $5.00 to $7.00 for mushrooms that are fresh and nicely shaped.
Anyone who is considering growing mushrooms as a way to make money should consider growing shiitake mushrooms. They are a good choice because they can be cultivated using an artificial or wild-simulated growing environment. Those who wish to grow mushrooms on an intensive scale usually require a large initial capital investment, as there are special criteria for growing mushrooms in large volumes. Normally compressed grain or sawdust logs or blocks are used as the growing medium, as are climate controlled indoor growing environments, all of which may be expensive.
A shady spot is required to stack and store the logs, and the whole vicinity needs an adequate amount of space to be able to move the logs, load the trucks and perform any other jobs that are a requirement for the production of mushrooms. A minimum of 60 percent shade is necessary, which is why hardwood and pine tree forests are ideal, as the hardwoods give shade during the hot weather and the pine trees offer constant shade.
Of course, just as with everything else there are risk factors involved in the production and cultivation of shiitake mushrooms, such as pest damages, marketing challenges and bad weather. You need to have plenty of water or moisture during the growing months of summer, as it is vital for a good quality product. Any dry extended periods will negatively impact the growing of these mushrooms and will yield a lower quality crop, which means lower prices when they are sold.
Mushrooms have been used for centuries as a natural form of medicine, and medicinal mushrooms are experiencing a revival these days. You may be happy to discover that your favorite dish made with shiitake mushrooms actually helps your body. Learn more at our Medicinal Mushrooms site.
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