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Paddy straw mushrooms, scientifically known as Volvariella volvacea, are a popular choice for mushroom growers due to their fast growth and high yield. In this guide, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to successfully grow paddy straw mushrooms.
Prepare the Substrate
The first step in growing paddy straw mushrooms is to prepare the substrate. Paddy straw mushrooms thrive on a substrate made of rice, wheat, or similar grain straw. Start by soaking the straw in water for 24 hours to soften it. After soaking, drain the water and chop the straw into small pieces.
Choose A Container
Paddy straw can be grown in a variety of containers including autoclavable bags, buckets, poly tubes, or baskets. The inoculated straw will need to be placed into some form of a container for fruiting, and what you use should be mostly based on what is available or easy to obtain, and what fits well into your fruiting area. Be sure to sanitize each container prior to using it.
Pasteurize the Substrate
To ensure the substrate is free from contaminants, it needs to be pasteurized. Place the chopped straw in a large pot and add enough water to cover it. Heat the pot on the stove until the water reaches a temperature of 60-65°C (140-149°F). Maintain this temperature for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. After pasteurization, drain the water and let the substrate cool down completely. Do not inoculate is even warm to the touch. If it is warmer than you are it is too warm.
Inoculate the Substrate
Once the substrate has cooled down, it's time to inoculate it with paddy straw mushroom spawn. Mushroom spawn is a mixture of mycelium (the vegetative part of the fungus) and a substrate. Break up the spawn into small pieces and mix it thoroughly with the pasteurized straw substrate. The better it is mixed the better the inoculation will go. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask.
Fill the Container
Fill the container with the inoculated straw. Make sure it is evenly layered throughout the container. Do not pack it down or force it in. The substrate will perform better with small pockets of air between things.
Incubation
Place the filled grow bags in a warm and dark environment with a temperature of around 25-30°C (77-86°F). The mushrooms will start to colonize the substrate, forming a network of mycelium. This process usually takes 10-14 days.
Fruiting
After the substrate is fully colonized, it's time to initiate fruiting. Create small holes in the grow bags to allow air circulation. Maintain a high humidity level (around 80-90%) by misting the bags regularly. Keep the temperature between 25-30°C (77-86°F) and provide indirect light. Within 7-10 days, you will start to see paddy straw mushrooms forming.
Harvesting
Harvest the paddy straw mushrooms when they reach their desired size. Cut them close to the substrate using a clean knife or scissors. Avoid pulling or twisting the mushrooms, as this can damage the mycelium and affect future flushes.
Enjoy Your Harvest
Once harvested, paddy straw mushrooms can be used in a variety of delicious recipes. They have a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a firm texture. Store them in a paper bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.