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 Lions Mane Mushrooms are ready to harvest and enjoy! Knowing the right time when your mushrooms are ready is important to ensure the best flavor and texture. Lions Mane is considered fully grown and ready to harvest when it has reached a size of approximately 4 to 6 inches in diameter and has a firm texture. The soft spines, resembling the mane of a lion will typically be 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch long at harvest time. Harvest the mushrooms by removing 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 a few ideas to get you started cooking with Lions Mane Mushrooms.

Roasting: Roasting Lion’s Mane mushrooms is a simple and easy way to bring out their natural sweetness and nutty flavor. Simply toss the mushrooms with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender.

Grilling: Grilling Lion’s Mane mushrooms can add a smoky flavor that complements their earthy taste. Brush the mushrooms with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill them over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and slightly charred.

Sautéing: Sautéing Lion’s Mane mushrooms is a great way to bring out their delicate, buttery flavor. Heat some butter or oil in a pan over medium-high heat, and sauté the mushrooms for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender.

Frying: Frying Lion’s Mane mushrooms is a delicious and indulgent way to enjoy this unique ingredient. Dip the mushrooms in some beaten egg and then coat them in breadcrumbs or flour and fry them in hot oil for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.

Tacos: Top grilled Lion’s Mane mushrooms with some fresh salsa, avocado, and cilantro, and serve them in warm tortillas for a delicious and flavorful vegetarian taco.

Pasta: Toss sautéed Lion’s Mane mushrooms with some cooked pasta, olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for a simple and satisfying meal.

Burgers: Top a grilled Lion’s Mane mushroom with some cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise, and serve it on a toasted bun for a delicious vegetarian burger.

Stir-fry: Add sautéed Lion’s Mane mushrooms to a stir-fry with your favorite vegetables and protein for a healthy and flavorful meal.

Crab cakes: Replace the crab in traditional crab cakes with shredded or chopped Lion’s Mane mushrooms. Mix the mushrooms with some breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, and Old Bay seasoning, and pan-fry until golden brown.

Scallops: Slice the Lion’s Mane mushrooms into thick rounds and sear them in a hot pan with some butter or oil until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and some fresh herbs.

Shrimp: Coat Lion’s Mane mushroom pieces in a mixture of flour, cornmeal, and spices, and fry them until crispy. Serve with a spicy dipping sauce for a plant-based version of shrimp bites.

Lobster rolls: Chop the Lion’s Mane mushrooms into small pieces and sauté them with some garlic, lemon juice, and butter until tender. Serve the mixture in a toasted bun with some mayonnaise and celery          for a vegetarian version of a classic lobster roll.

Lion’s Mane mushrooms are a nutritious ingredient that can offer many health benefits. They are a good source of antioxidants, protein, and dietary fiber, making them a great addition to any meal.

Be sure to check out the recipe page on our website for videos and detailed recipes of our favorite dishes.

Bon Appetit

Lion’s Mane mushrooms, also known as Hericium erinaceus, are a type of edible mushroom that have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. They are named after their distinctive appearance, which resembles the mane of a lion.

One of the most notable health benefits of Lion’s Mane mushrooms is their ability to support cognitive function. Studies have shown that Lion’s Mane mushrooms contain compounds called erinacines and hericenones, which have been found to stimulate the growth of nerve cells in the brain. This means that consuming Lion’s Mane mushrooms may help to improve memory, concentration, and overall brain function.

In addition to their cognitive benefits, Lion’s Mane mushrooms also have anti-inflammatory properties. This means that they may help to reduce inflammation throughout the body, which can lead to a variety of health problems such as arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.

Lion’s Mane mushrooms are also rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the body against damage from harmful free radicals. This can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Overall, incorporating Lion’s Mane mushrooms into your diet can be a great way to support your overall health and well-being. They are easy to prepare and can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to soups to salads. So why not give them a try and see how they can benefit your health?