GROWING GOURMET - Anto2ni.it

is added proportionately. Whereas the percentage
of moisture content can be nearly 60% in a
small spawn jar, a large container will have a
moisture content of only 40%.Anaerobic environments
are encouraged with larger masses of
grain, a phenomenon which necessitates a drier
medium and extended exposure to pressurized
steam. Cultivators should adjust these base-line
formulas to best meet their specific circumstances.
Jars and bags must be fitted with
microporous filters for adequate gas exchange.
I sterilize the 16 oz. or quart (liter) jars for
only 1 hour at 15 psi or 250° F, the 1/2 gallons
for 1 1/2 hours, the gallon jars for 2 hours, and
the standard spawn bags for 4 hours. The spawn
bags featured in this book have a maximum
volume of 12,530 milliliters when filled to the
brim, although cultivators usually load the
spawn bags to 1/3 to 1/2 half capacity. Using the
GENERATING GRAIN SPAWN 131
aforementioned formula, each spawn bag
weighs 10 lbs., 10 oz. (=4826 grams). These
bags are best inoculated with 200-300 ml. of
fermented liquid mushroom mycelium using
the techniques described further on. Once inoculated
the bags are laid horizontally for the
first week and gently agitated every 3 days with
the filter patch topside, until fully colonized.
Spawn generated in bags is far easier to use than
from jars.
For a comparison of grains, their moisture
contents, and kernels sizes, refer to pg. 43 in The
Mushroom Cultivator by Stamets and Chilton
(1983). Test batches should be run prior to commercial-scale
cycles with sterilization indicator
papers. Adjustments in pressure must be made
for those more than 3000 feet above sea level.
Most people create volumetric scoops conesponding
to the above mentioned masses. Many
Figure 102. Spawn incubating in 1/2 gaiton (2 liter), 1 gallon (4 liter) and 2.5 gallon (10 liter) containers. Note
filter media which prevents contamination but allows respiration.
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