How to Choose Mushroom Growing Kits in the UK
Key Points to Consider
- Choose a Variety of Mushroom That You Eat Often
- Decide How Much Effort You Want to Put In
- Check the Number of Harvests the Kit Will Produce
- Ensure You Can Provide Your Kit With the Ideal Conditions
1
Get the Most From Your Purchase by Choosing a Variety of Mushroom That You Regularly Cook With Such as Shiitake or Chestnut
The first thing you need to think about when shopping is which variety to choose. While exotic mushrooms might sound appealing, it’s best to go for the type that you’re most likely to use. Unfortunately, while there are hundreds of mushroom varieties out there, the list of which ones are available in grow kits are not nearly half as extensive. These are the main types you'll find:
- White Button Mushrooms: are one of the most popular mushroom varieties in the world. Their flavour is mild and subtle but still retains the typical earthy flavour you’d expect and can be used in all kinds of dishes. Some people do find the taste a little bland, though.
- Chestnut Mushrooms: have a little more depth of flavour and a distinct nutty taste. However, they can easily be used to replace white mushrooms when you want to add a bit more flavour to your dishes. They also have more of a meaty texture.
- Oyster Mushrooms: While other types of mushrooms are great eaten both raw and cooked, oyster mushrooms are definitely better cooked. They have a much more delicate, savoury flavour with a slightly fishy taste. These are great sauteed or added to curries and stews.
- Shiitake Mushrooms: have one of the richest flavours of all the mushroom varieties. While they can be eaten raw, shiitake mushrooms develop even more in flavour once cooked. They go wonderfully in stir-fries, ramen and soups.
- Lion’s Mane Mushrooms: are probably the most exotic mushrooms on our list and are naturally grown in temperate climates all over the world. They have a fluffy, white appearance and whilst fishy in flavour, a little like crab meat, they have a deep, meaty texture.
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2
Ensure the Kit Matches the Level of Effort You Want to Put Into Growing Your Mushrooms
Once you’ve decided on the variety of mushrooms you want to grow, you’ll need to look at the type of kit. Choose a growing kit based on how much effort you want to put into the experience.
If you’ve never tried growing mushrooms before and don’t consider yourself to be blessed with a green thumb, opt for a kit that is ready to go straight from the box. These will simply require you to create an opening on the box for the mushrooms to grow through, then add a little water to get things moving.
However, if you want a bit more of a hands-on experience, there are some kits that come with all the elements separately, leaving you to find your growing log, drill the holes and insert the mushroom plugs yourself. While it is a good idea to know a little about which logs are best and how to drill the holes, the kits should provide clear instructions to guide you.
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3
Note the Number of Harvests the Kit Produces to Get the Best Value for Money
When spending a fair amount of money on growing food, you’ll want to know how many mushrooms your kit will produce. While it's almost impossible to tell the exact amount, the instructions should be able to give you at least a rough idea of how many harvests you’re likely to get.
Obviously, you will need to take this information with a pinch of salt as it all depends on how the kit was stored and how you care for it once you receive it. But, knowing an estimated amount will give you a rough idea of the value of the kit itself. Most advertise the yield as approximately 4 harvests, but some promote that a single kit can produce for up to 8 years!
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4
Make Sure You Can Provide Your Mushrooms With the Right Conditions by Checking the Instructions Before You Buy
Lastly, take a look at the ideal conditions your kit needs to thrive. While the majority of the kits provide the same advice (indoors, away from drafts, direct sunlight and heat sources), some companies advise on specific temperatures and areas they should be placed. Your chances of success are significantly improved if you can ensure your mushrooms will be growing in their ideal climate.
For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:
- Urban Farm-It - XL Oyster Mushroom Growing Kits for £23.50
- Foragers Table - Lions Mane Mushroom Growing Kit for £24.00
- Foragers Table - Gold Oyster Mushroom kit for £17.50
- Merryhill Mushrooms - Shiitake Mushroom Growing Kit for £19.85
- Carbeth Plants - White Button Mushroom Grow Kit for £16.99
This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.
