Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, are attracting the attention of a wide variety of people, from researchers and therapists to enthusiasts and growers. These mushrooms not only offer a unique psychedelic experience, but are also being researched for their potential therapeutic properties. However, in order to maximize their potential, it is necessary to properly organize the process of harvesting, drying, and storing them.
Harvesting is a key step in the cultivation of psychedelic mushrooms. Timely harvesting ensures that the mushrooms retain their maximum strength and high quality. Then, proper drying plays a critical role in preserving the activity of the compounds and preventing mold. And finally, proper storage helps to keep mushrooms in perfect condition for a long time.
In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for each of these processes, as well as useful tips and proven methods to help you keep your mushrooms in the best possible condition. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced grower, this guide will provide you with all the information you need. Join us to learn everything you need to know about collecting, drying, and storing psychedelic mushrooms.
How and when to pick magic mushrooms
After weeks of patiently waiting, it's time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. But before you start picking magic mushrooms, it's important to know when and how to go about it. Don't worry, we'll walk you through all the steps that will help you pick, dry, and preserve the mushrooms so that their psychoactive properties are preserved as long as possible and you can enjoy them for months to come.
Choosing the right time to harvest magic mushrooms is crucial to maximize their strength and quality, and to ensure a successful subsequent harvest. Usually, mushrooms are ready to be picked when the partial veil - the membrane connecting the cap to the stem - begins to break down. This indicates that the mushroom has reached maturity but has not yet released spores, which can make further processing more difficult and negatively affect future harvests.
Keep in mind that the time between when the mushroom is completely covered by the veil and when it begins to break can be very short - sometimes only a few hours. Therefore, when you notice that the mushroom has reached its maximum size and is ready to break the veil and release spores, be careful and try to collect it before sporulation begins. In one of the next articles, we will tell you how you can collect these spores and make your own prints from which you can start new crops.
Collecting magic mushrooms
- Daily inspection: Inspect the mushrooms regularly, paying particular attention to the partial veil. When you notice that it starts to tear, it is a signal that it is time to harvest. Remember that this process can take only a few hours, so it is important not to miss the moment. It is always better to pick a mushroom that is ready to break the veil than to wait until it is completely torn and the spores are released.
- Hygiene: Before starting any process involving mushrooms, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly or use disposable gloves to avoid contaminating the mushrooms. Additionally, treat clean hands or gloves with isopropyl alcohol to increase hygiene.
- Careful extraction: Gently hold the base of the mushroom stem and gently turn it to separate it from the substrate. You can also use a sterilized knife to cut the stem as close to the substrate as possible, but in most cases it is better to use the twisting method. This helps to separate the mushroom easily without damaging the substrate or mycelium.
- Cleaning: After the mushrooms have been harvested, try to clean the base of the stems as much as possible from substrate residues such as grain or vermiculite. If necessary, you can cut off a few millimeters from the base of the stem to prepare the mushrooms for the next step - drying.
How to dry magic mushrooms
Although mushrooms can be eaten fresh, it is often recommended to dry them for a number of reasons. Proper drying makes it possible to store mushrooms for months, they take up less space, and their use, for example, in the form of psilocybin microdoses, becomes much easier. If you don't plan to eat all of the mushrooms immediately after picking them, drying them becomes critical to preserve their strength and prevent mold growth. Here's how to dry them effectively:
Drying magic mushrooms step by step
- Prepare the surface: Spread the mushrooms out on a wire rack or grid in a single layer, without stacking them on top of each other. Make sure there is enough space between the mushrooms for air to circulate. Alternatively, you can use kitchen paper. If you have large mushrooms, it is better to cut them into thin slices, as when drying porcini mushrooms.
- Choosing a place: Choose a dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can destroy the active compounds in mushrooms, so it is better to dry them in a dark place. A room with good air circulation or a space where you can use a fan is ideal.
- Drying process: Leave the mushrooms in the air for a few days until they are completely dry and crisp to the touch. The mushrooms should dry so that their structure resembles dried mushrooms that you could use in cooking. An environment with low humidity is best for drying. If you live in a region with high humidity, consider using a dehumidifier such as silica gel or adding a food dehydrator to speed up the drying process.
Using a dehydrator
If you have a kitchen dehydrator, you can use it to completely dry the mushrooms. Set the temperature to a low level (35-40°C) and spread the mushrooms on the dehydrator trays. Leave them for 24-48 hours until they are completely dry and crisp. If you don't have a dehydrator, you can use the oven on the lowest temperature, leaving the door ajar for air circulation. Check the mushrooms regularly to make sure they are not overcooked. However, given that mushrooms can air-dry in a few days, the oven should only be used in special cases.
Regardless of the method chosen, the mushrooms should be completely dry and crisp before they are stored. If the stem of the mushroom can be bent without breaking it, it means that it is not yet ready and needs additional drying. Patience is an important factor. It is better to wait a few extra days than to risk ruining the harvest by not drying it properly. Proper drying is crucial to preserve the strength of the mushrooms and prevent mold.
How to store magic mushrooms
After thoroughly drying the mushrooms, it is important to store them properly to preserve their effectiveness and prevent the degradation of active compounds such as psilocybin and psilocin. Here's how to do it:
- Choosing a container: Use glass jars, airtight containers, or bags with a tight closure. Glass jars with airtight lids are ideal because they reliably protect against air and moisture, minimizing the degradation of active ingredients. For additional protection, desiccants such as silica gel can be used by placing a sachet inside each container. Vacuum packaging or the use of vacuum bags will also significantly extend the shelf life.
- Storage: Keep containers in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or pantry. Light and heat can destroy the active compounds in mushrooms, so it's important to avoid exposure to them. The refrigerator is a great place to store them, especially if you plan to keep them for a long time. In case of even longer storage, mushrooms can be frozen, but only if they are completely dried before packaging.
- Periodic inspection: Check containers regularly for moisture or signs of mold. If moisture is found, re-dry the mushrooms using the same methods as the first drying before putting them back into storage.
Conclusion
To keep your magic mushrooms in the best condition possible, store them in airtight containers with desiccants, in a cool, dry and dark place. Consider storing in the refrigerator for long-term preservation and avoid exposure to moisture. These simple steps will help your mushrooms maintain their strength and quality for as long as possible.
Warning! The contents of this article are intended solely for persons over 18 years of age and are provided for informational purposes only. We do not encourage cultivation or consumption. Psychedelics are prohibited by the legislation of Ukraine.
