John M

You preserve a mushroom specimen by drying it completely and storing it in an airtight container away from light and moisture.   That’s the simple answer, but there’s a little more to it if you want your mushroom specimen to last for years without turning to dust or growing mold.   Whether you’re a forager, … Read more

You can preserve a mushroom in resin by completely drying it first, then sealing it in a mold with a slow-curing epoxy resin.   This process locks in every detail, from the gills under the cap to the texture of the stem, so you can keep a special find forever.   If you’ve ever wondered … Read more

You can preserve a morel mushroom by drying, freezing, or even pickling, and each method locks in that earthy, nutty flavor for months.   If you’ve just come back from a successful forage with a basket full of these prized treasures, you’re probably wondering how to keep them from turning into a mushy mess by … Read more

You prepare straw for mushroom cultivation by breaking it down into a form that mushroom mycelium can easily colonize and feed on.   Straw is one of the most affordable and accessible substrates for growing mushrooms, but you can’t just toss dry straw into a bin and expect mushrooms to appear.   Properly preparing straw … Read more

To prepare shiitake mushrooms, you need to master a few simple techniques that bring out their rich, savory flavor.   Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned home cook, learning how to prepare shiitake mushroom properly makes a world of difference in your stir-fries, soups, and pasta dishes.   The good news is that … Read more

To prepare a reishi mushroom tincture, you need to double-extract the dried mushroom in alcohol and water to pull out both its water-soluble and alcohol-soluble beneficial compounds. This process is simpler than you might think, and once you make your first batch, you’ll see why this ancient medicinal mushroom is so highly prized.   A … Read more