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