About Lion’s Mane Mushrooms

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a unique medicinal and gourmet mushroom known for its distinctive appearance and cognitive benefits. Unlike typical mushrooms with caps and stems, Lion’s Mane forms cascading white icicle-like spines that resemble a lion’s mane.

Key Characteristics

• Appearance: White, shaggy, icicle-like teeth
• Flavor: Seafood-like, often compared to crab or lobster
• Medicinal properties: Cognitive enhancement, nerve regeneration
• Difficulty: Intermediate due to specific requirements

Optimal Growing Conditions

Temperature Requirements

Colonization Phase:

• Optimal: 70-75°F (21-24°C)
• Range: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Duration: 2-3 weeks

Fruiting Phase:

• Optimal: 65-70°F (18-21°C)
• Range: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
• Duration: 1-2 weeks

Humidity Requirements

• Colonization: 60-70% (inside bags)
• Pinning: 90-95%
• Fruiting: 85-90%
• Critical: Maintain high humidity without direct water contact

Fresh Air Exchange

Lion’s Mane requires significant fresh air:

• CO2 levels below 800 ppm
• 4-8 air exchanges per hour during fruiting
• Poor FAE results in coral-like malformed growth

Light Requirements

• Colonization: Complete darkness
• Fruiting: 200-500 lux for 12 hours daily
• Natural indirect light or LED works well

Substrate Preparation

Master Mix Recipe

Ingredients (for 10 lbs dry):

• 40% hardwood sawdust (oak, beech, maple)
• 40% hardwood chips (small)
• 18% wheat bran
• 2% gypsum

Hydration:

• Add water to 60-65% moisture content
• Test: Squeeze handful - few drops should emerge

Preparation Steps

1. Mix dry ingredients thoroughly
2. Add water gradually while mixing
3. Load grow bags with 5-6 lbs wet substrate
4. Fold and seal bags properly
5. Sterilize at 15 PSI for 2.5 hours
6. Cool completely before inoculation

Inoculation Process

Spawn Rate

• Use 10-15% spawn ratio
• Higher rates = faster colonization
• 0.5-0.75 lbs spawn per 5 lb bag

Inoculation Steps

1. Prepare workspace with sterile technique
2. Flame sterilize bag opening
3. Add spawn quickly
4. Seal immediately
5. Mix thoroughly through bag
6. Label with date and strain

Colonization Phase

Optimal Conditions

• Temperature: 70-75°F constant
• No light needed
• Check weekly for contamination
• Full colonization: 14-21 days

Signs of Healthy Colonization

• White, dense mycelium
• Sweet, mushroom smell
• No off colors or odors
• Bag becomes firm

Fruiting Phase

Initiation

1. Move to fruiting chamber when fully colonized
2. Cut X-shaped slits 4 inches wide
3. Multiple fruiting sites - 2-3 per bag
4. Maintain humidity immediately

Fruiting Chamber Setup

Simple Setup:

• Clear storage tote
• Perlite base (4 inches)
• Wire rack above perlite
• Mist walls 3-4 times daily

Advanced Setup:

• Automated humidity control
• Timed fresh air exchange
• Temperature control

Development Stages

Day 1-3: Pinning

• Small white bumps appear
• Keep humidity at 95%
• Minimal air exchange

Day 4-7: Early Development

• Teeth begin forming
• Increase air exchange
• Maintain 85-90% humidity

Day 8-14: Maturation

• Spines elongate
• Monitor for yellowing
• Prepare for harvest

Harvesting

When to Harvest

• Spines are 1/4 to 1/2 inch long
• Before yellowing occurs
• Typically 10-14 days from pinning

Harvesting Technique

1. Cut at base with clean knife
2. Remove all tissue from substrate
3. Handle gently - bruises easily
4. Process immediately or refrigerate

Yield Expectations

• First flush: 0.5-1 lb per 5 lb bag
• Second flush: 30-50% of first
• Total: 2-3 flushes possible

Second Flush

Rehydration Method

1. Rest period: 7-10 days
2. Mist heavily or dunk briefly
3. Return to fruiting conditions
4. Cut new holes if needed

Storage and Preservation

Fresh Storage

• Refrigerate in paper bags
• Use within 7-10 days
• Don’t wash until use

Drying

• Dehydrate at 135°F
• Store in airtight containers
• Retains medicinal properties

Freezing

• Sauté first for best texture
• Vacuum seal if possible
• Use within 6 months

Common Problems

Problem: Coral-like Growth

Cause: Insufficient fresh air Solution: Increase FAE, add more holes

Problem: Yellowing Mushrooms

Cause: Over-maturity or bacterial infection Solution: Harvest earlier, improve sanitation

Problem: No Fruiting

Cause: Temperature too high/low Solution: Adjust to 65-70°F range

Problem: Slow Growth

Cause: Low humidity Solution: Increase misting frequency

Troubleshooting Tips

Contamination Prevention

• Use only sterilized substrates
• Maintain clean environment
• Work with proper technique
• Monitor temperature closely

Optimization Strategies

• Experiment with substrate recipes
• Try different wood types
• Adjust spawn rates
• Fine-tune humidity levels

Commercial Considerations

Market Value

• Fresh: $15-25 per pound
• Dried: $40-60 per pound
• Extract products: Premium pricing

Scaling Up

• Automated systems recommended
• Climate-controlled rooms
• Consistent substrate sources
• Regular testing for quality

Medicinal Benefits

Active Compounds

• Hericenones: Nerve growth factor
• Erinacines: Cross blood-brain barrier
• Beta-glucans: Immune support
• Antioxidants: Cellular protection

Reported Benefits

• Cognitive enhancement
• Memory improvement
• Nerve regeneration
• Immune system support
• Digestive health

Recipe Ideas

Simple Preparations

• Sautéed with garlic and butter
• Grilled “steaks”
• Soup additions
• Tea or tinctures

Remember: Lion’s Mane requires patience and attention to detail, but the unique appearance and benefits make it rewarding to grow. Start with one bag to learn the process before scaling up.