Midwest Grow Kits Shiitake Mushroom Grow Kit (5lbs)

• 5 pound colonized spawn bag
• Ultra-fine pump mister
• Simple Instructions

Growing your own Shiitake mushrooms with this kit is straightforward and rewarding, offering months of harvests with minimal effort:

Step 1: Upon receiving your kit, check the bag for white mycelium growth. Allow the kit to acclimate to your environment for 24 hours before beginning the fruiting process.

Step 2: Make a 4-6 inch cut in the spawn bag where you see white mycelium forming. This opening allows for oxygen exchange and creates a space for mushrooms to emerge.

Step 3: Place your kit in a location with indirect light for 10-12 hours daily and maintain temperatures between 65-80°F. Avoid direct sunlight, which can dry out and damage the developing mushrooms.

Step 4: Mist inside the bag opening 1-2 times daily using the included ultra-fine pump mister. Unlike other mushroom varieties, Shiitake prefer a moderate humidity level of around 50%, making them more forgiving in typical indoor environments.

Step 5: Harvest your Shiitake mushrooms when the caps are fully opened but before the edges flatten completely. Simply cut the mushrooms at the base with a sharp knife.

After harvesting your first flush, allow the kit to rest for 2-3 weeks while continuing to mist occasionally. The kit will produce 3-4 separate crops over a 4-5 month period, making it our longest-lasting mushroom growing option. 

Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) have been treasured for centuries in East Asian cuisine and traditional medicine for their exceptional flavor and health-supporting properties.

These premium culinary mushrooms are nutritional powerhouses despite being low in calories and fat. They provide an excellent source of protein and dietary fiber while delivering a rich array of essential nutrients. Shiitake mushrooms contain B vitamins (B2, B3, B5, and B6), vitamin D, and important minerals including copper, manganese, selenium, zinc, and potassium.

Shiitake mushrooms contain a compound called lentinan, which has been studied for its potential immune-supporting properties. Traditional Chinese medicine has utilized these mushrooms for centuries for their purported antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory benefits.

In the kitchen, Shiitake mushrooms are prized for their distinctive umami flavor profile that's rich, savory, and slightly buttery. Their meaty texture makes them a versatile ingredient in numerous culinary applications, from soups and stir-fries to pasta dishes and risottos.

For optimal growing conditions and maximum yields, consider adding the Tabletop Humidity Tent to your order. This affordable accessory creates the perfect microclimate for your Shiitake mushrooms.