"Shocking" Mushroom Logs Sprout Shiitakes

Fall is mushroom season. Hardwood logs inoculated with shiitake spawn produce gourmet mushrooms every two months for about four years. Fruiting occurs by "shocking" the log, soaking it in ice water to imitate fall weather conditions -- and shiitakes pop out within 6-10 days.

Fall days with cool nights and showers are perfect weather conditions for mushrooms. Shiitakes, grown on hardwood logs, are no exception. Soaking a shiitake mushroom log in ice water imitates autumn weather and "shocks" it into fruiting within 6-10 days.

Lost Creek Mushroom Farm sells an inoculated shiitake mushroom log that will produce gourmet mushrooms every two months for about four years. The shiitakes grow indoors in room light or outdoors in shade and require regular soaking.

When the log is shocked, shiitakes pop out through the bark. A log will produce 2-5 ounces of shiitakes, with increased yields as the log matures.

A Lost Creek Mushroom Farm shiitake kit includes the log, a tray for soaking and fruiting, instructions, and recipes. Logs are guaranteed to produce.

Small 13-14-inch logs sell for $30.95 and large 19-20-inch logs for $35.95. Shipping and handling are $7.50 per log. The Shiitake Sampler Cookbook, with 51 kitchen-tested shiitake recipes, can be included for $6.95.

Order or request a free brochure from 1-800-792-0053 or onlline at www.cowboy.net/~lcmf.