Beefsteak Mushroom Liquid Culture Syringe 10ml

Grow the Beefsteak Fungus

The beefsteak fungus (Fistulina hepatica) is one of the strangest mushrooms in British woods. It grows on oak and sweet chestnut, looks uncannily like a slab of raw meat and even oozes a red juice when cut. It is rarely cultivated, which makes this beefsteak mushroom liquid culture syringe a real treat for adventurous growers. It contains 10ml of live mycelium in sterile malt and yeast broth.

What Is Included

• 1 x 10ml liquid culture syringe, sterile sealed
• 1 x sterile 16G needle
• 1 x 70% IPA alcohol swab

How to Use

1. Let the syringe reach room temperature, then shake it hard for 10 seconds to break up the mycelium.
2. Fit the needle and wipe the injection port of your bag with the alcohol swab.
3. Inject about 5ml per bag. One syringe will inoculate two bags of sterilised grain spawn or two all-in-one grow bags.
4. Keep the bags dark and warm while the beefsteak mycelium colonises, usually 2 to 4 weeks.

Growing Conditions

Beefsteak is a slow growing species that prefers oak or sweet chestnut. Use sterilised oak sawdust in bags, or inoculate freshly cut oak logs. Colonise at 20 to 24°C, and expect a longer wait than most gourmet mushrooms.

Flavour

Beefsteak has a sharp, slightly sour, citrusy taste and a juicy, meaty texture. It is often sliced thinly and eaten raw in salads, or cooked gently. It is quite unlike any other mushroom.

An Honest Note

This is not one for a first grow. Beefsteak is slower and less predictable than oysters, but if you enjoy a challenge and a talking point, it is a fascinating culture to work with.

Storage

Keep in the fridge at 2 to 8°C for up to a few months.

Related

Browse easier species in mushroom liquid cultures and grain in mushroom grain spawn.