Fresh Shittakes

I just went out and picked some fresh Shittakes from my white oak log. Inoculating this log; was one of the best garden projects I have done. I is really nice to have mushrooms, readily available. Especially during a dry year, when wild mushrooms are scarce.

I had Oyster Mushrooms on a yellow poplar stump. I probably got about 30 pounds of mushrooms each year, for 7-8 years from that stump. It finally disintegrated a couple of years ago.


Ma & Pa Shiitake Mushroom Log Kit with Shiitake Sampler Cookbook
10" Shiitake Mushroom Log with the Shiitake Sampler Cookbook

Shittake Mushrooms

It is no secret that High Virginia is dry. This dosen't make for good wild mushroom gathering conditions. I have yet to see an Oyster Mushroom. Shaggy Manes are a few weeks away, if they make an appearance. Mushroom collecting in our region was dismal at best in 2010.
I did have an ace in the hole and most importantly remembered to play it. I innoculated some white oak limbs with Shittake plug spawn a few years ago. Last weekend, I soaked one of the limbs in water for 2 days. The mushrooms should be ready by the weekend.

They will probably go well with some venison steaks.







10" Shiitake Mushroom Log with the Shiitake Sampler Cookbook