Buying SPORE SWABS: what to know
Buying spore swabs used to be a headache, but in 2024, it is as easy as a few clicks! Just in case you are unsure if swabs are for you, here is a bit of information to make things crystal clear.
What are spore swabs?
Spore swabs are cotton buds (like Q-tips) that are covered in mushroom spores. In many cases, the spores on the swab are from magic mushroom species like Psilocybe Cubensis, but can be from pretty much any mushroom that releases spores.
How Are Swabs Different Than Syringes or Prints?
The small swab is used to collect spores from certain mushrooms that make traditional spore collection difficult. For example, scientists may use swabs to collect spores from hard-to-reach wild mushrooms, or mushrooms who's caps don't fully open. Spore swabs are a popular way to store mushrooms spores in a way that keeps them viable for the long-term; from mushrooms that we would not able to work with otherwise. Many of the mushroom spores on swabs come from lab-created, highly potent & rare strains.
What Are Spore Swabs Used For?
Spore swabs are used to preserve mushroom genetics for the longterm, grow new culinary mushrooms, or for research. If you have a spore swab from something like an Oyster mushroom, you can save those spores and use them to grow new oyster mushrooms in a few weeks! Or, with magic mushroom spore swabs, you can enjoy their beauty under a microscope. Spore swabs have a multitude of uses, and whichever one you choose will help you grow your mycology hobby with ease.
Can you grow magic mushrooms with spore swabs?
Hypothetically speaking, the spores on a swab are viable and capable of being brought to substrate to grow magic mushrooms. However, doing so is federally illegal and we strongly advise against it. That said, growing non-magic mushrooms (like Reishi or Lion's Mane) is absolutely doable by starting with a swab.
Are spore swabs frequently used in mycology?
You may be wondering why you're suddenly hearing about spore swabs instead of prints or syringes. Even though swabs are a proven method that has been used for decades, they're only just starting to pick up steam in terms of popularity. Working with spore swabs is important for anyone who wants to master their mycology for hobby or profession.
What do spore swabs look like?
Swabs that contain magic mushroom spores look like a cotton swab with a black dusting on the tip. Please be aware that the "black dusting" is actually just highly concentrated spores, and not mold, contamination, or anything else of the sort.
What types of spore swabs are there?
Spore swabs have the potential to exist for just about any type of mushroom, but that doesn't mean that you'll find them all available. Magic mushroom spores on swabs, however, are easy to find! Our team has proudly developed swabs for 15+ strains of Psilocybe Cubensis, include Albino Penis Envy, Yeti, Melmac OG, and more! Whether you want to grow oyster mushrooms starting with a spore swab, or study magic mushroom spores under a microscope, the sky is the limit with this method.
What are the most popular spore swabs?
Our most popular swab in 2024 is the Nutcracker strain! However, others like Yeti & Melmac TP are rising the ranks quickly! Globally, strains such as Penis Envy or Tidal Wave are likely the most popular options for swabs.
Do all swabs have the same amount of spores?
Not all swabs are created equally in this manner. Some strains produce more spores than others, and so swabbing a high volume of spores is easier for some than others. However, every single spore swab contains enough viable genetic material to conduct successful research.
Are there differently sized spore swabs, or are they all the same?
Industry-wide, you may find swabs with various lengths, but the differences are nominal and unimportant. Our philosophy, rather than focusing on the shape of the swab, is to put all of the attention on the quality of the spores. As a result, we find that our customers have positive things to say about the efficacy of our swabs!
How Are Spore Swabs Produced?
Our magic mushroom spore swabs are created through a proprietary, sterile process in which a large volume of fresh psilocybe spores are collected & expertly prepared in secure packaging. We're proud to have a net-neutral effect on the environment while producing these genetics.
How Are Eden Shrooms' Spore Swabs Produced Sustainably?
Compared to traditional agriculture that requires deforestation, a complex supply chain, and toxic chemicals that leach into surrounding ecosystems, our spore swabs have a minimal impact on the environment. All of our spores are harvested in one location inside of a lab-setting, on a small plot of land that required no deforestation. We don't use any lead or arsenic in our substrates, and we compost / reuse much of our waste.
Where Are Eden's Swabs Produced?
Though we are an American-owned business, our spore swabs are developed by our international team of mycologists (some of the most skilled on earth!) in the beautiful country of Jamaica. Then, they are shipped to our HQ in Michigan where we package them and get them to your door in record time.
Are Spore Swabs legal?
Culinary spore swabs are legal in all 50 states without restrictions. However, Magic Mushroom Spore Swabs like the products listed on our site, are 100% legal to buy in 48 states. Magic mushroom spores on swabs do not contain psilocybin, and thus they are legal to own for research material. Spore swabs are a pretty popular item in 2024!
Spore Swabs In Science: References & Publications
Helpful Articles & Links about spore swabs
- Magic Mushroom Potency Rankings
- Find magic mushroom spores near you
Not feeling our swabs? Check out our full catalog of magic mushroom spores.
