Maitake - (Grifola frondosa) Sawdust Spawn - 5lb

Please note: This is a seasonal product. Our live spawn is sourced from our local co-op of gourmet mycologists. Our gourmet and medicinal live spawn is in season from March 1st to June 30th, and ships within 3 days of purchase. From July 1st to September 30th we typically have a 10-14 day lead time on live spawn orders as local supplies are limited at these times. Live spawn orders placed after September 30th will be placed on our pre-order list and will ship the following spring.

Maitake, also known as Sheepshead or Hen of the Woods, are widely appreciated for their culinary and medicinal properties. Maitake is slow to colonize logs, so we highly recommend sterilizing the wood first to help avoid competitors. Cut oak pieces that measure about 8 inches in diameter by 8 inches in length during the dormant season. A single piece is then placed inside each autoclavable bag and the bag is closed using the collar and plug and sterilized at 15 psi for 1.5 hours. Allow the wood to cool inside the pressure cooker. Once cooled, aseptically inoculate the wood by pouring a heavy dose of sawdust spawn into the bag. Reseal bag and incubate at room temperature for 3-4 months. After incubation, remove log from bag and bury vertically in a shaded spot so that the top of the log is one inch below the soil surface. Mark the location of the buried log. Fruiting may occur as early as fall of the first season.