Gardener or Gourmet, Give Dad Shiitake Mushroom Logs
A unique, surprising gift that keeps popping out healthful shiitake mushrooms for up to four years.
(PRWEB) June 9, 2005 -- In nature shiitake mushrooms grow on fallen tree
branches and are harvested twice a year.
In the kitchen or family room they pop out on shiitake log kits every two
months.
Shiitake farmer Doug Williams of Lost Creek Mushroom Farm has
been watching the deep-brown mushrooms bloom on hardwood logs since 1988. “We
drill holes in the logs and fill the holes with shiitake spawn. In eight to ten
months, they’re ready to grow mushrooms. We shock a log into producing, or
‘fruiting’, by immersing it in ice water
and soaking it for 24 hours. The mushrooms think it’s the fall or spring
fruiting season and break out through the bark.”
For home
growers Williams advises keeping logs in indirect light.
“They need room light
or outdoor shade and an overnight soak in room-temperature water
about every two
weeks. Six
to ten
days later, the mushrooms are ready to harvest.”
Shiitake mushrooms have
a meaty texture and hearty flavor. "They absorb the flavors of other foods
they’re cooked with, like garlic, onion, meats, vegetables, even fruit. I
sautéed them with blackberry preserves,” Williams said. “Delicious.”
High
in protein and low in fat, with compounds that lower cholesterol and boost the
immune system, shiitakes are a favorite with people who watch calories and
cholesterol.
Lost Creek Mushroom Farm has several kits that produce
shiitakes every two
months for up to four years. Kits include the log or logs ready to fruit,
instructions, and recipes. Logs are guaranteed to grow.
Two
logs will provide shiitakes every month. Prices range from $15.95 for a 5-6 inch
‘Shroomie to $75 for two
20-inch logs with soaking trays. The Ma and Pa kit with two
8-10 inch logs sells for $36.50. All
prices include shipping.
Shiitake
mushroom kits are available online
at www.shiitakemushroomlog.com and www.cowboy.net/~lcmf. Order
or request a free
brochure from Lost Creek Mushroom Farm, PO Box 520, Perkins, OK 74059, or by
calling 1-800-792-0053.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/6/prweb248948.htm