Appearance: Large, shiny, kidney-shaped caps, often reddish-brown.
Flavor Profile: Bitter, not commonly used for culinary purposes.
Growth Conditions:
Substrate: Hardwood sawdust or logs.
Humidity: 85–95%.
Fresh Air Exchange (FAE): Low; requires minimal air exchange.
Temperature:
– Colonization: 70–80°F
– Fruiting: 60–70°F
Yield:
5 lb substrate block: Typically grown for medicinal purposes, not measured by traditional culinary yields.
Flushes: 1–2
Per Flush: Consistent, slow growth.
Popularity: Renowned for its health benefits, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine.
Uses: Medicinal, used in supplements and tea for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
Notes: Requires a long growth period; known as the “Mushroom of Immortality” for its health benefits.