Appearance: Vivid pink to blush-red caps with delicate, frilly edges; grows in layered, romantic-looking bouquets. Stems are short and tender when harvested young.
Flavor Profile: Light, slightly peppery when raw, but nutty and savory once cooked—similar to bacon or ham when sautéed crispy.
Growth Conditions:
Substrate: Grows fast on straw, coco coir, or sawdust blocks—especially when supplemented with bran.
Humidity: 90–95%.
Fresh Air Exchange (FAE): High; requires 4–6 air exchanges per day to avoid leggy, thin stems.
Temperature:
Colonization: 75–85°F
Fruiting: 70–80°F (thrives in warm, humid climates)
Yield:
5 lb substrate block: 2–3 lbs total.
Flushes: 2–3
Per Flush: 1–1.5 lbs on the first flush; second and third flushes fade quickly if not managed.
Popularity: Eye-catching and fast-growing—popular around holidays, especially for romantic or gift-themed culinary events.
Uses: Culinary (great for decorative plating, crispy bacon alternatives, stir-fries, tacos). Loses color when cooked but adds deep umami when crisped.
Notes: Fast-growing and aggressive colonizer. Best harvested young before edges begin to curl or dry. Great for farmers’ markets or themed kits.