Shiitake Liquid Culture

Shiitake mushrooms are a versatile and nutritious addition to any diet. They have a distinctive tan to deep brown umbrella-shaped cap, often 5-10cm in diameter, with a creamy white stem. Native to East Asia, they have been used in cuisine and traditional medicine for centuries. A firm favourite among chefs, health enthusiasts, and mushroom cultivators alike.

Why not have a go at growing them yourself?

Included

• 12ml of Shiitake liquid culture suspended in a high-quality BD syringe
• Chlorhexidine alcohol wipe and sterile needle for clean inoculation

What is Liquid Culture?

Mushroom liquid culture is essentially live mushroom mycelium which grows within a liquid full of nutrients that provide the necessary energy to support the mycelium. It results in much more rapid mycelium growth through a substrate compared to inoculation with spores and so, it’s a better method to get to your fruitful final stages quicker and enjoy those amazing mushrooms.

Nutritional Profile

Rich in B vitamins (B2, B5, B6) and vitamin D.
Good source of copper, selenium, zinc, and manganese.
Contains beta-glucans for gut health and immunity.
Low in fat and cholesterol-free.

Health Benefits

• Boosts immune system with compounds like lentinans and beta-glucans.
• Supports heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol and maintaining blood pressure.
• Antioxidant properties combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Potential anticancer effects due to polysaccharides.
• Improves bone health with high vitamin D content.
• Antimicrobial and antiviral properties.

Cultivation Tips

Preferred Growing Medium: Hardwood (e.g., oak, maple, beech).
Temperature: Optimal growth at 12–24°C.
Humidity: Requires 80–90% humidity for fruiting.
Light: Indirect light for proper cap development.
Harvesting: Typically ready to harvest 7–14 days after pinning.

Interesting Facts

Shiitake in Japanese (椎茸) is composed of shii (椎) for the tree Castanopsis cuspidata that provides the dead logs on which it is traditionally cultivated and take (茸) for mushroom. The epithet “edodes” is the Latin word for “edible”.

Cultivated for over 1,000 years, making them one of the oldest cultivated mushrooms.

Considered a “tonic food” in traditional Chinese medicine, promoting longevity and vitality.

Culinary Uses

Shiitake mushrooms are a staple in Asian cuisine but definitely not a stranger in Western diets. Their rich, savory and slightly smoky flavor make them perfect for a variety of dishes:

Sautéed with garlic and butter for a simple side dish.
Added to soups, stews, and broths for depth of flavor.
Grilled or roasted for a meaty texture.
Used in stir-fries, ramen, and sauces.

Important

1-2 week production time is required to make fresh stock. Depending on current stock levels, we may be able to dispatch sooner.

Unfortunately, we cannot ship this product outside of the United Kingdom right now due to some Brexit requirements on live mycelium. Please only order this product if delivery will be within the UK.