Maitake

 Scientific Name: Grifola frondosa

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 Appearance: Clustered, frilly caps with a grayish-brown to white color; resembles flower petals.

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 Flavor Profile: Earthy and nutty, with a meaty texture; highly prized in Japanese cuisine.

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 Growth Conditions:

• Substrate: Best grown on hardwood sawdust blocks or supplemented Coco Coir.

• Temperature:

• Colonization: 70–75°F

• Fruiting: 60–68°F.

• Humidity: 85–95%.

• Fresh Air Exchange (FAE): Moderate; requires 2–3 air exchanges per day.

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 Yield:

• 5 lb substrate block: 1.5–2 lbs total.

• Flushes: 2–3

• Per Flush: 0.8–1.2 lbs for the first flush; subsequent flushes taper off.

• 10 lbs substrate in monotub: 3–4 lbs total.

• Flushes: 3–4

• Per Flush: 1.5–2 lbs for the first flush; subsequent flushes taper off.

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 Popularity: Highly sought after for both culinary and medicinal uses.

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 Uses: Culinary (soups, roasted dishes), medicinal (immune system support).

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 Notes: Maitake can be slow to fruit, but its high yield and health benefits make it worth the wait.