How to Store Mushroom Spawn

Haunity

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posted on 3 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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If you want to grow mushrooms, you need fresh mushroom spawn. If you aren't able to use your spawn immediately, don't worry—you can keep it fresh if you store it properly. Never put mushroom spawn in direct sunlight and remember to provide air circulation during storage to keep spawn viable. In the right storage conditions, mushroom spawn will stay fresh for 2-4 months!

Steps

Proper Packaging

Leave the spawn in its original packaging. The original packaging is perfect for storage since it's designed to protect spawn and keep it fresh. Spawn packaging is usually a single plastic bag, but some spawn come double-bagged. If you see 2 plastic bags, remove the outer bag and just use the inner bag for storage. If the manufacturer provides specific storage instructions, always follow their recommendations. If you don’t have the original packaging, use a plastic sandwich baggie.

Squeeze all the air out of the bag. Gently roll the bag and press down on it. Do your best to squeeze all the air out of the bag before sealing it. Don’t take the bag outside or to a different area after squeezing the air out. This introduces dirty air into the bag.

Tie the bag closed loosely so the spawn can breathe. Airtight storage isn't ideal for mushroom spawn since they need ventilation to survive. Instead of sealing the bag tightly, loosely tie the top ends together. If the manufacture specifies an airtight container for their spawn, follow those directions.

Storage Environment

Store spawn in a dark spot at room temperature if you’re using it in 1-2 days. If you know you're going to use the spawn within a couple of days, stash the bag in a dark spot at room temperature. Don't put the bag near any windows! Direct sunlight can damage or kill the spawn. If you're not planning using the spawn within 2 days, refrigerate it.

Put spawn in a fridge set to 0–2 °C (32–36 °F) for long-term storage. Mushroom spawn stays fresh in cold temperatures. Make sure your refrigerator is set to 0–2 °C (32–36 °F) for ideal storage conditions. Then, place the bag of spawn inside the fridge. If your refrigerator is full, leave 10 cm (3.9 in) of space around the bag for proper airflow. Keep in mind that Pink Oyster and Almond Agaricus spawn can't be refrigerated. Store them in a dark spot at room temperature and use them within a month.

Open the refrigerator for about 1 minute each day to circulate air. Spawn need air circulation to stay healthy. Make sure sunlight isn't shining into your fridge when you prop open the door, though! Remember that direct sunlight can kill mushroom spawn.

Use the mushroom spawn within 2-4 months for the best results. Even in your fridge's ideal conditions, mushroom spawn won’t last forever. Spawn usually live for 2-4 months in cold storage. Be sure to use the spawn within that time so your mushrooms grow properly. The sooner you use the spawn, the more likely it is to grow mushrooms successfully. The exception is plug spawn, which can last 6 months in the refrigerator.