Are you a mushroom enthusiast looking to explore the world of gourmet fungi? Look no further than Hodgins Harvest’s Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom Grow Kit. This USDA certified organic kit allows you to grow your own delicious lion’s mane mushrooms right at home, with the convenience of a small, family-run farm in Orange County, New York behind it.
What is Lion’s Mane Mushroom?
Lion’s mane mushroom, also known as Hericium erinaceus, is a unique and fascinating fungus. It gets its name from its long, shaggy spines that resemble a lion’s mane. This edible mushroom is prized for its culinary and medicinal properties.
Lion’s mane is known for its seafood-like flavor, often described as a cross between lobster, crab, and shrimp. It has a delicate, slightly sweet taste and a firm, meaty texture that makes it a popular ingredient in various dishes.
Beyond its culinary appeal, lion’s mane mushroom has also gained attention for its potential health benefits. Studies suggest that it may support brain health, boost the immune system, and even have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
How Does the Hodgins Harvest Grow Kit Work?
The Hodgins Harvest Lion’s Mane Mushroom Grow Kit is designed to make growing these fascinating fungi at home easy and accessible. Here’s how it works:
The kit contains a block of mushroom mycelium, which is the vegetative part of the fungus that grows underground or inside a host.
The kit also includes illustrated directions and a misting bottle.
To start growing, you simply pull the circular cutout off the back of the box, cut an “X” in the plastic underneath, and create a humid environment around the cut.
You can use the included misting bottle and a piece of plastic to create a “humidity dome” or set up a humidifier next to the kit for a lower-maintenance option.
Within 7 days, you should start to see growth, and within 10-21 days, you should be harvesting your first crop of lion’s mane mushrooms.
Hodgins Harvest guarantees that you’ll get at least one crop of mushrooms from their kits, but it’s possible to get much more. After your first harvest, replace the humidity dome and continue giving the mycelium a humid environment. Some customers have reported getting up to 3 additional harvests from a single kit.
Storing and Cooking Your Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Once you’ve harvested your lion’s mane mushrooms, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks or at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Hodgins Harvest recommends a simple sauté recipe they call “Cook ‘Em Crispy” for all wood-loving species of mushrooms. Here’s how to do it:
Slice or shred the mushrooms into small pieces.
Heat butter or olive oil over medium heat in a pan.
Sprinkle the mushrooms lightly with sea salt and sauté for 10-20 minutes, allowing most of the moisture to cook out until they’re brown and crispy around the edges.
Add white wine or sherry and cook until the added moisture evaporates.
For more cooking tips and recipes, Hodgins Harvest recommends checking out “The Umami Tsunami,” a blog dedicated to culinary mushrooms.
Why Choose Hodgins Harvest?
Hodgins Harvest is a small, family-run mushroom farm that takes pride in its USDA certified organic status. They grow their mushrooms using a mix of hardwood sawdust and organic soybean hulls, with a small amount of grain spawn that may contain millet, rye, or sorghum.
By choosing Hodgins Harvest, you’re supporting a local, sustainable business that is dedicated to providing high-quality, organic mushrooms to its customers. Their grow kits are made in the USA, ensuring that you’re getting a product that meets rigorous standards.
With Hodgins Harvest’s Lion’s Mane Mushroom Grow Kit, you can explore the fascinating world of gourmet fungi, grow your own delicious mushrooms at home, and enjoy the benefits of a small, family-run organic farm. Whether you’re a seasoned mushroom enthusiast or a curious beginner, this kit is a great way to dive into the world of lion’s mane mushrooms.