The Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is a legendary mushroom cultivated in Asia for over 1000 years.
Characteristics
- Color: Brown with white cracked patterns
- Flavor: Intense umami, woody
- Texture: Firm and meaty
- Size: 5-15 cm caps
Medicinal Properties
Contains lentinan, an immunostimulant, and eritadenine, beneficial for cholesterol.
Optimal Conditions
Long colonization but requires a "shock" (cold soak or physical strike) to initiate fruiting.
Harvesting Tips
Harvest when the edges of the cap are still slightly curled. White cracks (donko) indicate superior quality.
Culinary Uses
Versatile and delicious! Sautéed, in soup, dried to intensify flavor. Base of Japanese dashi.
Growing Technical Data
| Ideal Substrate | Sawdust (Logs/Blocks) |
|---|---|
| Phase 1: Colonization | 35 - 70 days |
| Phase 2: Initiation | 5 - 7 days |
| Phase 3: Growth | 5 - 8 days |
| Total Cycle Duration | 45 - 85 days |
| Flushes & Spacing | 2-3 flushes (14-21 days) |
| Colonization Temp | 20-26°C |
| Fruiting Temp | 12-18°C |
| Relative Humidity | 80-90% |
Manage your crops effectively: With MycoGest, automatically track each development phase and receive alerts at the right time to optimize your harvests.
Consult our comparison table of all varieties to compare growing cycles.