Enoki Mushroom Info – Tips For Growing Enoki Mushrooms Yourself
A quick search for enoki mushroom info reveals numerous common names, among them velvet stem, winter mushroom, velvet foot, and enokitake. These are very delicate fungi in an almost filament form. They are often the only mushrooms available in winter. Growing enoki mushrooms in cultivation is done in the dark, resulting in white, slender fungi.
If you like eating enoki mushrooms, you might try growing them yourself. If you want to learn how to grow enoki mushrooms, there are plenty of kits and inoculum available. Most of the items needed are easy to find and household glass containers may be used once sterilized.
Enoki Mushroom Info
Wild enoki mushrooms bear very little resemblance to cultivated forms. They grow on rotting wood, especially dead elms in woodland settings. Wild enoki have small brown caps and form clusters. When foraging, it is important to do a spore print for each mushroom collected. This is because the fungi closely resemble the deadly Galerina autumnalis.
Cultivated enoki are white and noodle-like. This is because they are grown in the dark and the stems stretch out to try and reach the light. Eating enoki mushrooms provides protein, dietary fiber, amino acids, and vitamins B1 and B2.
How to Grow Enoki Mushrooms
The first step to growing enoki mushrooms is to find spawn and growing medium. The growing medium can also be aged hardwood sawdust. Next, select glass containers and sterilize them. Mix the spawn into the medium thoroughly.
Fill the bottle with medium and store them where temperatures are 72-77 degrees F. (22- 25 C.) and humidity is very high. If you want white fungi, keep jars in a dark location; otherwise, you will get brown caps, which are still delicious.
In a couple of weeks, the mycelium should be evident. Once it has covered the medium, move jars where temps are 50-60 degrees F. (10-15 C.). This promotes the formation of the caps.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Eating Enoki Mushrooms
The mushroom's slender profile means they have little cook time and should be added to the end of a dish. Enoki is commonly used in Asian food but adds flavor and texture to any cuisine. You can add them raw to salads, put them on a sandwich, or just snack on them. Stir fries and soups are classic uses.
The fungi are thought to enhance health by boosting the immune system and treating liver problems. There is even a small school of opinion that the mushrooms can reduce the size of tumors but no linked scientific evidence.
Bonnie Grant is a professional landscaper with a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and writing for 15 years. A former professional chef, she has a passion for edible landscaping.
-
How To Harvest Chia Seeds: Tips For Harvesting This Heart-Healthy Superfood At Home
They are an excellent part of a healthy diet and fun to harvest for your breakfast cereals, breads, salads and smoothies. Here’s how to harvest chia seeds
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
How To Reuse Plastic Plant Pots: Clever Ways To Recycle & Upcycle Old Containers
With 30 million tons of plastic in our landfills, it’s worth spending a bit of time to brainstorm ways to get creative with plastic.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Which Types Of Wood To Use For Growing Fungi
Wondering about the best logs for mushroom plugs? Match the mushroom type to the tree variety for a great crop of delicious mushrooms.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Types Of Edible Mushrooms & Their Poisonous Look-Alikes
Types Of Edible Mushrooms & Their Dangerous Doppelgangers
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Make Your Own Mushroom Coffee From Homegrown Fungi
What is mushroom coffee? Can you make your own mushroom coffee at home? Click here to learn more.
By Laura Miller
-
Growing Mushrooms In Coffee Grounds At Home
Learn how re-using coffee grounds for mushroom substrate is great for the mushrooms and good for the planet.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
How To Grow Morel Mushrooms: Growing Morel Mushrooms At Home
Morel mushroom growing conditions are difficult to pinpoint. Some expert tips are necessary on how to grow morel mushrooms.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Home Canning Mushrooms – Tips For Storing Mushrooms In Jars
Are you contemplating home canning mushrooms, but are nervous about safety? Click here to explore how to can mushrooms safely.
By Laura Miller
-
Growing Mushrooms At Home: How To Make A Mushroom Fruiting Chamber
Setting up a mushroom fruiting chamber is really the only difficult thing about growing mushrooms at home, and even then, a DIY mushroom house doesn’t have to be complex. To learn how to make your own mushroom fruiting chamber, click the following article.
By Amy Grant
-
Propagating Store Bought Mushrooms: How To Grow Mushrooms From Ends
Propagating store bought mushrooms from the ends just requires a good fruiting medium, moisture and the proper growing environment. Click on this article to learn how to grow mushrooms from ends.
By Bonnie L. Grant