Shiitake is a very popular gourmet mushroom that has been cultivated in Asia for centuries. It is a dense, chewy and meaty flavored mushroom that is good fried or grilled.

Shiitake reportedly has wide-ranging health promoting and immunity stimulating properties against cancer, viral infection and high cholesterol.

Inoculate stumps and logs with shiitake mushroom plug spawn and experience years of wonderful, fresh gourmet mushroom harvests. Freshly cut hard wood is preferred. Use approximately 25-50 plugs per 3 foot by 4-8 inch diameter log. Spring inoculated logs may yield first crops by fall, best fruitings occur within one or two years. Plug size: 5/16in x 1in spiral grooved dowels.

Prepare inoculation sites by drilling 5/16in x 1 1/2in holes in a 4-6 inch spiraled spacing around presoaked logs or stumps. Hammer in plugs slighly below surface level to allow for capping with melted cheese wax to prevent drying of spawn. Stack or lean logs in shady location and do not allow to excessively dry. Dunk logs in bins of water to rehydrate, or water with traditional sprinklers, misters, or soakers during dry spells. Expect fall harvests for years to come.

For more information on growing from plug spawn check out the following titles from our Mushroom Bookstore: