Grow Kit Fruiting Block Organic Maitake

Characteristics of the growing substrates:

• Composition: Water, wood shavings, grains, lime, mycelium. Net weight of the block: approximately 5 kg. Dimensions: 25 x 20 x 20 cm.
• Use: cooking & extraction of the mushroom’s active principles.

The maitake (Grifola frondosa), also known as "Hen of the Woods" or "Sheep Polypore," is an edible mushroom prized for its delicate flavour and its role in Asian traditions. Used for centuries in Chinese and Japanese medicines, it continues to draw attention for its unique natural components.

Among its most studied compounds are the D-Fraction and the MD-Fraction, specific beta-glucans. These complex polysaccharides are at the heart of scientific research exploring their role in supporting the immune system and their potential benefits for overall well-being.

🔍 Our quality commitment:

We produce our mycelia under laboratory conditions, thus ensuring purity of strains and optimal quality.

Our mycelia are produced 100% organically and all our products are certified "BE-BIO-01, Agriculture Belgium" by CERTISYS.

🌱 Maitake Cultivation

Substrate and environment
Maitake cultivation can be done:

• Indoors: on enriched and sterilised substrates made from wood shavings.
• Outdoors: on logs inoculated with dowels.

The ideal wood types are chestnut and oak, which provide the nutrients needed for its growth.

⚠️ Maitake fruiting is relatively complex and better suited to experienced growers. It is essential to carefully control temperature and humidity to achieve a successful harvest.

Instructions

1. Preparing the bag or block
Lift the plastic upwards to create an air pocket above the substrate. The plastic should remain mostly closed to maintain a humid zone that will encourage the appearance of primordia (mushroom buds).

2. Location

• Place the block in a cool and shaded spot, protected from direct sunlight.
• A basement, cellar, or garage can be an ideal location.

3. Hydration

• Ensure the block stays moist by lightly misting it regularly with clean water.
• If the plastic is well sealed, this step can be reduced or even unnecessary.

4. Fruiting

• After a few weeks, primordia (small mushroom formations) will begin to appear.
• When these formations reach 2 to 4 cm, make small holes in the plastic to improve air circulation and encourage proper cap development.

5. Harvest

• Harvest the mushrooms when the caps are well formed but before they start to dry out.
• If mould appears, harvest immediately to prevent spreading.

Additional tips

• Maitakes are sensitive to diseases often spread by small flies.
• Full fruiting takes about 6 to 8 weeks.

Optimal conditions:

• Temperature: 10 to 18°C
• Humidity: high and steady at the start of fruiting, then slightly reduced as harvest approaches.

This process requires patience and care, but the result is worth it!

Maitakes can also be grown outdoors. In early spring (March-April), dig a trench the size of the blocks, bury them, and cover with 2 to 3 cm of soil. Keep the area slightly moist over the following weeks and months to encourage fruiting.

🌾 Harvest and Storage

Generally, only one harvest is made from this type of block. After harvesting, you can try to get a second crop by burying the block in the vegetable garden, leaving 2 to 3 cm of soil above. This method might allow a small additional harvest early the following summer.

Maitakes keep for about 1 to 2 weeks in a paper bag in the refrigerator. For longer storage, they can be dried. Drying not only extends their shelf life but also concentrates their active principles, making their use even more beneficial for health.