Pleurotus eryngii- This species of oyster is prized for its thick stems which are a great meat substitute (hence the name "Kings"). Kings are best when top fruited and require relatively cold temps. They tend to produce a single large flush, but can produce a second flush. A great mushroom for those trying to expand their culinary library options.
This product may take up to 3 weeks to ship but most of the time will ship in 1-2 weeks. Please be aware of the lag before ordering. You will get an email with tracking 1 day before shipping, if you need to delay the order contact ASAP to reschedule the order ship date.
See the additional info section for instructions and considerations for using the Kit at home.
KO: 3 lb King Oyster Ready-to-Fruit Block
Instructions for use:
This information is specific to King Oyster.
- Check your block upon arrival to make sure there are no tears or signs of mold from shipping. If the block has broken into pieces during shipping, gently press the block together and let sit 4-7 days undisturbed (ideally in the dark) before moving to step 2.
- Cut open the bag as close to the seal as possible. Fill the bag with air and gently fold over the top a single time and use 1 paperclip (or similar) in the center to keep the bag closed and relatively inflated with air.
- Place the Ready-to-Fruit block in an area of your home that is between 55-65°F (ideally 55-60°F). Check the bag daily for baby mushroom pins growing at the top of the bag.
- Fold the top of the bag down (or cut it) to ~2 inches from the top of the mushroom pins.
- Place the Ready-to-Fruit block in the most humid part of your home (not in direct sunlight) or in a grow chamber or grow tent. The kitchen is a good household place in lieu of a dedicated fruiting chamber (as long as it is cold enough). King Oyster fruits best between 55-65°F.
Search online for easy to make fruiting chambers: monotubs, shot gun fruiting chambers (SGFCs) and tents with foggers/humidifiers are all great options and will likely increase success in fruiting and producing healthy fruits. Even a clear trash bag with plenty of holes can be used to increase humidity! King Oysters are prized for their thick meaty stems produced when they have less air exchange, more air exchange will lead to larger caps which are still delicious. - 2X daily (or more if your environment is dry) spritz the plastic sides and mushrooms with filtered/distilled water. Try to use a fine spray and not leave pools of water on the mushrooms. If they are drying out spray more than 2X per day.
- Continue to mist the fruits and plastic while they grow. King Oysters are usually ready to harvest 4-7 days after pins form and the top is folded/cut and should be harvested before the caps flatten out or become concave for tastiest results.
- Cut the mushroom cluster from the block and enjoy for your next meal!
- Soak the block in fresh, cold, distilled/filtered water for 1-6 hours while inside the bag (pour into the opening) and then drain.
- Put block back into fruiting conditions, you should get at least 1 more "flush" of mushrooms from the block.