In the summer and fall, there’s nothing quite like heading out into the woods to forage for wild mushrooms. However, many of the best varieties are actually protected species, meaning picking them in the wild is a big no-no. King Oyster mushrooms fall into this category, too. But don’t worry—there’s a great workaround: growing them yourself!
A Gourmet Favorite
When people talk about the flavor of King Oysters, they almost always compare them to Porcini mushrooms. Just like Porcinis, King Oysters are protected in the wild and shouldn’t be harvested. But here’s the good news: unlike Porcinis, King Oysters are actually quite easy to cultivate at home. In fact, they’ve become so popular that you can now buy ready-to-go mushroom kits that make the whole process a breeze.
A Little Bit of TLC
Before you dive into growing your own King Oysters, just keep in mind that they do require a little daily attention. You’ll need to mist your culture with water about twice a day and keep an eye out for any spots that don’t look healthy. The payoff, though, is totally worth it! If everything goes well, you can harvest several pounds of fresh mushrooms in just a few weeks. With a harvest that big, you’ll likely need to freeze at least some of your bounty for later.
The Perfect Growing Conditions
To get a great crop, King Oysters don’t need much, but they are specific about what they like. They need about twelve hours of daylight, temperatures between 50°F and 70°F (10°C–20°C), and very high humidity—ideally around 90%. Because of this, basements or bathrooms are usually the best spots in the house to set up your mini mushroom farm.
Using a Ready-to-Grow Kit
If you try to start from scratch, the effort often outweighs the reward. That’s why I recommend using a pre-made mushroom kit. These usually consist of a block of wood chips or substrate held together in plastic. Once you’ve set it up according to the instructions, the main goal is keeping it consistently moist. Pro tip: Be careful with old spray bottles, as they can harbor bacteria that might harm your mushrooms. Instead, use a very clean watering can or a fresh mister and handle the culture gently. You’ll usually see your first harvest in about two to three weeks. Once they’re ready, you can:
- Cook them up immediately
- Freeze them for later
- Dry them out
- Pickle them in vinegar