Your Spray and Grow Mushroom Kit contains a bag with colonized block of mushroom mycelium. It will appear whiteish to different shades of light brown depending on the variety of mushroom. Don’t worry it is not mold. It is healthy Mycelium from which your delicious mushrooms will grow! Follow the directions below to enjoy the freshest gourmet mushrooms possible. Always thoroughly cook your mushrooms before eating.

 
1. Open the front of your kit by completely removing and disposing of the perforated disk located on the front of the box.

2. Slice a large ‘X’ into the plastic with a sharp knife or scissors. Make sure that the ‘X’ is cut across the entire opening.

3. Open the top of your box and remove the sprayer and instruction booklet. Close the top of the box. Fill the sprayer with tap water and generously spritz the plastic where you sliced your ‘X’ shape. Spritz your kit 2 to 4 times daily – If you’re in a particularly dry climate, spritz more often and consider making a humidity tent. (See directions for “Making a Humidity Tent” below) Your mushrooms will thrive at higher humidity levels. If the humidity is too low your mushrooms could dry out and not produce to their full potential.

4. Place your Spray & Grow Kit in the most humid part of your home and outside of direct sunlight. We like putting ours in the kitchen and close to the sink. Once open and watered, the mushroom mycelium will sense the oxygen in the air and start to produce mushroom “pins” which are tiny “baby mushrooms”.

5. Typically it takes 5-14 days for the pins to form. Once pins begin to form, your mushrooms will begin to grow quickly. Keeping your mushrooms in a warmer environment (70+ degrees) will allow them to grow quicker. Mushrooms should be ready to harvest 2-5 days after the pins begin to form.

6. Harvest your mushrooms by cutting them flush at the box. Alternatively, they can be harvested by pulling them off the box with a simple pull and twist motion.

7. Enjoy your mushrooms by cooking them in your favorite mushroom dish. You can also visit the recipe section of our website where you will find some of our favorite mushroom dishes along with several cooking videos and tips.

Please note, the sooner you cook and consume your mushrooms the better. Mushrooms always taste better when fresh! If you can’t use them immediately, we recommend storing them in the fridge in a paper bag. Your mushrooms will remain fresh for a few days. You can also dehydrate your mushrooms to increase their shelf life.

Mushrooms thrive in high humidity. A good rule of thumb is 70% to 90% relative humidity. Your local hardware store will sell inexpensive humidity gauges that will readily indicate the current relative humidity. If you find that the humidity in your home is low, you can make a humidity tent for your Spray & Grow Mushroom Kit. Humidity tents are quick and easy to make and are useful in keeping the humidity high while your mushrooms grow. Consider a humidity tent In dry climates (such as winter in northern parts of the country) as the humidity will be much lower than spring and summer months. In any dry climate, regardless of the season will require more frequent watering and a humidity tent will help maximize mushroom growth and yield.

How to make a Humidity Tent:

Simply take a clear plastic bag and cut several 1/2-inch holes in it. And place over your mushroom kit. Be sure to leave plenty of space for your mushroom to bloom. Don’t worry if the bag lays on the mushrooms as they grow. Mushrooms are amazing and strong growers and will lift the bag while it grows provided it remains loose fitting. Feel free to adjust the bag as needed. You can remove the bag for watering and to check on your mushrooms. Just remember to place the bag over your kit when done.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Mushrooms create CO2 and inhale oxygen while growing. They will not grow to their full potential if there isn’t adequate airflow. Your mushroom humidity tent needs to have several holes in it to not only release the CO2 but to also allow for fresh air to come inside.  When using a humidity tent, while spritzing your mushrooms daily as directed, spritz the inside of the humidity tent as well to maintain the humidity. Your mushrooms will thank you and you will enjoy a more bountiful harvest!  

Congratulations! Your delicious oyster Mushrooms are ready to harvest and enjoy! Knowing the right time when your mushrooms are ready is important. One telltale sign that they are ready is when the mushroom caps are still slightly folded downward or have just flattened out. If the caps start to fold upward, then it’s time to harvest right away. Harvest the entire bloom of mushrooms at once by cutting them flush at the box. Alternatively, you can simply pull them directly off the box with a pull and twist motion. If you have questions on when to harvest, or anything else feel free to send us a photo at grow@freshrooms.com and we’ll gladly help.

Here are some recipe ideas to get you started cooking with Oyster Mushrooms.

Sautéed: One of the simplest and most popular ways to cook oyster mushrooms is to sauté them. Heat a little oil in a pan, add sliced oyster mushrooms, and cook them until they are tender and lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper and serve as a side dish or use as a topping for burgers, pizzas, or pasta.

Grilled: Oyster mushrooms can also be grilled to add a smoky flavor to them. Brush them with a little oil and grill them over medium-high heat until they are lightly charred and tender. Use them as a side dish or add them to salads, sandwiches, or tacos.

Stir-fry: Oyster mushrooms are a great addition to stir-fries. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook them with other vegetables and proteins such as tofu or chicken. Add some soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for flavor, and serve over rice or noodles.

Soup: Oyster mushrooms can also be used in soups. Add them to vegetable or chicken broth along with other vegetables and seasonings. Simmer until the mushrooms are tender and serve hot with crusty bread.

Pizza topping: Oyster mushrooms can be used as a pizza topping. Sauté them with onions and garlic, and use them as a topping along with cheese, tomatoes, and other toppings.

Pasta sauce: Oyster mushrooms can also be used to make a rich and flavorful pasta sauce. Sauté them with garlic and onion and add some cream or tomato sauce. Toss with cooked pasta and serve with Parmesan cheese.

Vegan meat substitute: Cut them into thin strips and marinate them in soy sauce, vinegar, and spices. Cook them in a hot pan until they are crispy and use them as a filling for tacos or burritos.

Make “oyster” fries: Cut oyster mushrooms into long strips and use them in place of French fries. Fry them until they’re crispy and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.

Create “oyster” nuggets: Cut oyster mushrooms into bite-sized pieces and coat them in a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices. Bake them until they’re golden brown and serve them as a fun snack or appetizer.

Grill “oyster” steaks: Cut large oyster mushrooms into thick slices and marinate them in your favorite steak marinade. Grill them until they’re charred on the outside and tender on the inside.

Make “oyster” sliders: Use oyster mushrooms as a meat-free alternative to sliders. Shred and sauté them in butter or olive oil until they’re tender. Add BBQ sauce and use them as a filling for mini buns. Top with your favorite toppings like slaw or onion.

Create “oyster” tacos: Sauté oyster mushrooms with onions, peppers, and your favorite spices. Use them as a filling for tacos and top with salsa, sour cream, and avocado.

Make “oyster” stuffed peppers: Cut off the tops of bell peppers and remove the seeds. Stuff them with a mixture of sautéed oyster mushrooms, rice, and cheese. Bake them until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.

Create “oyster” mac and cheese: Sauté oyster mushrooms with garlic and add them to your favorite mac and cheese recipe. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until the top is crispy and golden.

The possibilities of cooking with oyster mushrooms are endless! So why not get creative in the kitchen and try out some of these delicious ideas? Your taste buds will thank you. Be sure to check out the recipe page on our website for videos and detailed recipes of our favorite dishes.

Bon Appetit!

Oyster mushrooms are a delicious and nutritious food that can bring a host of health benefits to your diet. These mushrooms are low in calories and high in fiber, making them an excellent addition to a balanced and healthy diet.

One of the key health benefits of oyster mushrooms is their ability to boost your immune system. They contain a unique type of sugar called beta-glucans, which have been shown to improve the function of your immune cells and help your body fight off infections.

Another impressive benefit of oyster mushrooms is their potential to lower cholesterol levels. They contain compounds called lovastatins, which have been found to have cholesterol-lowering effects. This makes them a great food choice for anyone looking to improve their heart health and reduce their risk of heart disease.

Oyster mushrooms are also a good source of antioxidants, which are important for protecting your cells from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants can help prevent the development of chronic diseases, such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Lastly, oyster mushrooms are rich in important nutrients such as vitamin D, iron, and potassium, all of which are necessary for maintaining good health.

Incorporating oyster mushrooms into your diet can be as simple as adding them to stir-fries, soups, or salads. They are easy to prepare and have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with a variety of other ingredients.

So, why not try incorporating oyster mushrooms into your meals and reap the many health benefits they have to offer? Your taste buds and your body will thank you!