Shiitake

 Scientific Name: Lentinula edodes

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 Appearance: Brown, umbrella-shaped caps with white stems and gills.

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 Flavor Profile: Rich and earthy, with a deep umami flavor.

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 Growth Conditions:

• Substrate: Hardwood logs, sawdust blocks, or Coco Coir mixtures.

• Temperature:

• Colonization: 68–75°F

• Fruiting: 55–70°F.

• Humidity: 80–90%.

• Fresh Air Exchange (FAE): Moderate; requires 3–4 air exchanges per day.

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 Yield:

• 5 lb substrate block: 1–2 lbs total.

• Flushes: 2–4

• Per Flush: 0.5–1 lb for the first flush; subsequent flushes taper off.

• 10 lbs substrate in monotub: 3–5 lbs total.

• Flushes: 3–5

• Per Flush: 1–1.5 lbs for the first flush; subsequent flushes taper off.

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 Popularity: A staple in Asian cuisine, valued for its flavor and medicinal properties.

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 Uses: Culinary (soups, broths, stir-fries), medicinal extracts.

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 Notes: Requires a resting period between flushes to stimulate fruiting; surface moisture should be minimal to avoid aborts.