The art of growing mushrooms can be both a fulfilling and tasty experience. For many years, mushrooms have been utilized in many dishes and as a source of protein. However, growing mushrooms in South Africa is not as easy as it may seem. The process is more complicated than planting a few seeds and waiting for them to harvest. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to grow mushrooms in South Africa.
Choosing the Right Type of Mushroom
Before you start growing mushrooms, it's essential to know the different types of mushrooms available in South Africa. The most popular variety is the white button mushroom. It's easy to grow and can be grown indoors. Other types of mushrooms include brown, portabella, shiitake, and oysters. It's essential to choose a variety that matches the weather conditions in your geographic location. For instance, the shiitake and oyster mushrooms thrive in cooler temperatures.
Preparing the Growing Environment
The next step is preparing the growing environment. Most types of mushrooms require a specific medium to grow. For instance, white button mushrooms thrive in a composted manure medium, while other types prefer straw or sawdust medium. Most mushroom farms in South Africa grow mushrooms indoors since the growing environment can be regulated. The indoor growing environment should be around 18C to 20C with good air circulation and ventilation.
Preparation of the Growing Medium
To prepare the growing medium, you need to add the spore (seeds) to the substrate (medium). The medium needs to be sterilized to prevent contamination by bacteria or other organisms. After sterilizing the medium, allow it to cool before adding the spores. Mushrooms grow in a variety of substrates, including composted straw, composted manure, and sawdust. The growing medium should have a balanced pH that ranges between 6.0 to 7.5.
Spawning
After preparing the growing medium, the next step is spawning. Spawning refers to adding the mushroom seed material to the growing medium. The seed material is mixed with the growing substrate and allowed to colonize for approximately two weeks.
Pinning
After the growing medium has colonized, the next step is pinning. Pinning refers to the formation of small mushroom sprouts called "pins." This happens when the growing environment's temperature and humidity are regulated. The temperature should be reduced to around 16C while increasing the humidity to 85% to encourage the growth of the pins. The pins will eventually grow into mature mushrooms within two to three weeks.
Harvesting and Storage
Harvest the mushrooms before their caps open fully. When harvesting, twist the mushroom's stem gently and pull it from the substrate. Leaving a stub behind can encourage the growth of more mushrooms. Once harvested, mushrooms can be stored in a refrigerator for up to a week.
Conclusion
Growing mushrooms in South Africa is a fascinating and rewarding experience. It's essential to choose the right type of mushroom, prepare the growing medium, spawn, and pin the mushrooms. With the appropriate growing environment, harvesting, and storage methods, you can enjoy the unique flavor and benefits of growing your mushrooms.