The shiitake mushrooms are a big umbrella shaped dark brown mushroom that have been a major staple in the Chinese diet, as well as being a protein source in Japan for thousands of years. The medicinal effects of this mushroom along with their culinary diversity are part of the reason why they are third of the most widely produced (behind the button and oyster) mushrooms in the world, with America being the most rapidly growing of the markets.
For more than 25 years now, shiitake mushrooms have been produced commercially in America, and are gaining in popularity among gourmet shops. They are often included in vegetarian cooking as a substitute for meat due to their rich flavor and meaty texture. These organic mushrooms wholesale for about $5.00 to $9.00 a pound and those who raise them will usually receive around $5.00 to $7.00 for well formed and fresh mushrooms.
Anyone who is considering growing mushrooms as a way to make money should consider growing shiitake mushrooms. They are a good choice because they can be cultivated using an artificial or wild-simulated growing environment. Those who wish to grow mushrooms on an intensive scale usually require a large initial capital investment, as there are special criteria for growing mushrooms in large volumes. Normally compressed grain or sawdust logs or blocks are used as the growing medium, as are climate controlled indoor growing environments, all of which may be expensive.
A well shaded location is needed to stack and store the logs, and the entire area requires a sufficient amount of room in order to move the logs, load the trucks and perform any other operations that are a requirement for the manufacture of mushrooms. At least 60 percent shade is necessary, which is why hardwood and pine tree forests are ideal, as the hardwoods offer shade during the hot months and the pines give unbroken shade.
Of course, just as with everything else there are risk factors involved in the production and cultivation of shiitake mushrooms, such as pest damages, marketing challenges and bad weather. You need to have plenty of water or moisture during the growing months of summer, as it is vital for a good quality product. Any dry extended periods will negatively impact the growing of these mushrooms and will yield a lower quality crop, which means lower prices when they are sold.
For more than 25 years now, shiitake mushrooms have been produced commercially in America, and are gaining in popularity among gourmet shops. They are often included in vegetarian cooking as a substitute for meat due to their rich flavor and meaty texture. These organic mushrooms wholesale for about $5.00 to $9.00 a pound and those who raise them will usually receive around $5.00 to $7.00 for well formed and fresh mushrooms.
Anyone who is considering growing mushrooms as a way to make money should consider growing shiitake mushrooms. They are a good choice because they can be cultivated using an artificial or wild-simulated growing environment. Those who wish to grow mushrooms on an intensive scale usually require a large initial capital investment, as there are special criteria for growing mushrooms in large volumes. Normally compressed grain or sawdust logs or blocks are used as the growing medium, as are climate controlled indoor growing environments, all of which may be expensive.
A well shaded location is needed to stack and store the logs, and the entire area requires a sufficient amount of room in order to move the logs, load the trucks and perform any other operations that are a requirement for the manufacture of mushrooms. At least 60 percent shade is necessary, which is why hardwood and pine tree forests are ideal, as the hardwoods offer shade during the hot months and the pines give unbroken shade.
Of course, just as with everything else there are risk factors involved in the production and cultivation of shiitake mushrooms, such as pest damages, marketing challenges and bad weather. You need to have plenty of water or moisture during the growing months of summer, as it is vital for a good quality product. Any dry extended periods will negatively impact the growing of these mushrooms and will yield a lower quality crop, which means lower prices when they are sold.
About the Author:
Medicinal mushrooms are experiencing renewed popularity for their ability to help with numerous health conditions. If you don't know the difference between a reishi mushroom and a cordyceps mushroom, and what each of them can do for you, visit the Medicinal Mushrooms site to find out!
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