Brown Rice Flour Substrate/Cake Preparation
Be sure to check out Grain Prep for the other basic method

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Mushroom spawn: Definition: the mycelium, or primary filamentous growth, of the mushroom; also cakes of earth and manure containing this growth, which are used for propagation of the mushroom.

The Life Cycle of a Cultivated Mushroom:

First, one must grow the spawn of the mycelium. Grain such as rye is often used for this task. While the spawn is starting to grow, composting of the manure takes place. Components such as manure, straw, chicken droppings, and/or turkey droppings can all be added to the mixture (but not acidic pine needles). Once this compost reaches the proper temperature, mushrooms growers will add the spawn to the nutrient-rich compost.

In turn, the mycelium will run all throughout the compost eagerly digesting the organic material. In order to coerce the fungus into creating mushrooms, a low-nutrient casing is placed on top of the compost. Thinking it is about to run out of food, the fungus will produce fruiting bodies (mushrooms) to disperse spores. When just the right time has come, harvesters will come along and cut the mushrooms away from the mycelium.

What you need:

12 half-pint jars(wide mouth)with lids,
Organic brown rice flour,
vermiculite,
water,
large pot with lid.

In a large mixing bowl mix 2-2/3 cups of the brown rice flour

and 8 cups of vermiculite (coarse is recommended, fine is ok) and mix with large spoon.

Make sure they are well combined

Add 2-2/3 cups of water,and continue mixing until everything is equally combined and there are no dry spots.

Spoon this mixture loosely DO NOT PACK TIGHT into 12 half-pint jars. Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a paper towel and put the lids on them with the rubber seal facing down.

Now it is time to put the jars in the pot. Since Keep the lids tight. A large crab steamer pot, because it has a rack inside to keep the jars off the bottom, is convenient.

Bring the water level up to where it is at the halfway point on the jars. Bring the pot to a boil and then lower the heat and stick the top on so the pot stays on a slow boil.

In 30 minutes we are done!

Now on to the next step:INOCULATION.

Now is when we really have to start thinking CLEAN. Always start by spraying Lysol throughout the entire room. Start at the ceiling,to bring down any nasty floaters. Then wipe the entire work surface with alcohol.

Now is the time to poke holes in your lids. Pour some alcohol in a jar, and dip a cotton ball in.Wipe the surface of your lid. Shake your syringe to break up any clumps that may have formed, and remove the needle guard. Insert the needle into one of the holes in the lid. While holding the jar at the angle you see in the pic, touch the end of the needle against the side of the jar and squirt 1/4 of a cc into the jar. Remove the needle from the jar,and wipe the tip with alcohol swab.

Repeat this process with the remaining holes in the lid. After you are finished, put tape over the holes. The jar is now inoculated. Repeat this procedure with the remaining jars, and then place them in your incubator. In 15-30 days your cakes will be fully colonized.