The Ultimate Guide to Growing Your Own Blue King Oyster Mushrooms at Home

Aug 7
2 min read

I bought a mushroom kit two weeks ago from Gourmet Mushrooms Geelong and wanted to share its journey with you. This particular kit is designed for growing Blue King Oyster Mushrooms, a variety that has always fascinated me due to its unique flavour and texture. The process of cultivating mushrooms at home has always intrigued me, and I decided it was finally time to embark on this exciting adventure.

The Blue King Oyster Mushroom, known scientifically as Pleurotus ostreatus var. columbinus, is not only visually striking with its bluish hue but also renowned for its firm, meaty texture and rich, umami flavour. I have had the pleasure of enjoying these mushrooms before, and I really love them. Their ability to enhance a wide range of dishes, from stir-fries to gourmet risottos, has made them a favourite in my kitchen.

The thought of being able to grow my own supply of these delicious mushrooms was too enticing to resist.

Upon receiving the kit, I was immediately impressed by the quality of the materials included. The kit came with a substrate bag pre-inoculated with mushroom spores, a detailed instruction clearly written on the box.

. I carefully followed the instructions, setting up the kit in a cool, dark area of my home, ensuring that the conditions were just right for my mushrooms to thrive.

Over the past two weeks, I have been closely monitoring the growth of the mushrooms. Initially, I was a bit anxious, wondering if I had done everything correctly, but soon enough, I began to notice the first signs of growth. Tiny white mycelium threads started to spread throughout the substrate, and it was thrilling to witness this natural process unfold. Each day brought new developments, and I found myself eagerly checking on the kit, misting it regularly to maintain the necessary humidity levels.

As the days progressed, the mycelium transformed into small pinheads, which are the early stages of mushroom formation. Watching these little bumps develop into full-fledged mushrooms has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I documented each stage with photos, excited to capture the transformation from a simple substrate to a flourishing crop of Blue King Oyster Mushrooms. The anticipation of the harvest is building, and I can already envision the delicious meals I will create with my homegrown bounty.

I look forward to sharing more updates as the mushrooms continue to grow and eventually reach maturity. This journey has not only been about growing food but also about connecting with nature and learning more about the fascinating world of fungi. I hope to inspire others to consider mushroom cultivation, as it is a fulfilling and educational endeavour that can bring joy to any home cook.