Oregon Grown Reishi Cultures

Reishi mushroom cultures are potted, allowed to incubate and grow up naturally branched hardwood sticks.  The result is a nursery pot sprouting spectacular fungal conks. Each specimen can be considered to be a ornamental type culture and allowed to dry, or the conks can be consumed medicinally.  No chemicals or pesticides were used in the cultivation process, and the cultures are shipped live in a humidity tent.  The plastic tent bag can be removed if placing the pot in a humid shady spot, and kept misted.  Spores may be released and collect on the caps, misting helps growth and restores the shiny luster

 This fungus has many names: Reishi, Ling  Chih, The Lacquered Bracket Fungus, The Mushroom of Immortality, The Panacea Polypore.  A member of the Polypore Family, it has a bracket or kidney shaped top with thousands of tiny round pores on the underside.  The cap is usually mahogany red, with a shiny lacquered appearance when wet.  Reishi grows naturally all over the world, especially in hardwood forests, preferring oak and maple.  Reishi is a white rot fungus, recycling the tough lignin of dead hardwoods into forest humus.   Reishi has been used medicinally for thousands of years, especially in China.  A tea made from this fungus has been associated with an improved immune system, increased vigor and well being. 

The process starts with mixed harwood chips, sawdust and wheat bran.  The feed stock is wetted and placed in a breathable grow bag. Selected branching hard wood sticks are added, then a batch is sterilized and  innoculated with pure culture spawn. 

The bags, now fitted into nursery pots are allowed to incubate in a warm climate controlled grow room.  After about a month the bags can be opened and allowed to fruit in high humidity and air triggering the formation of Reishi stalks and caps.