Maybe you need a shiitake mushroom log | How About Orange

May 14, 2007

Maybe you need a shiitake mushroom log

This has nothing to do with art or design, but I have to tell you. A week and a half ago, a box arrived. It contained a log. Yes. My mom decided we would enjoy growing our own mushrooms, so she ordered us a mushroom log. We're in a second floor condo, so obviously there's no garden, but we like to make the most of our back landing and try to grow interesting things. This one takes the cake. I'm very excited. Seriously! And look! The log came with no mushrooms, and now it has two! I think more are coming. If you feel you can't live without one (and I'm sure that's just about everybody), get your own log here.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

How does it work? Do you sprinkle mushroom spores on it? Or does it come impregnated with mushrooms and all you have to do is add water? Or...?

World Wide Alternative said...

It's amazing isn't it? There are little humpy shade houses on the side of my favourite izakayas over here & they are loaded up with shitake logs. Yum!

eshu said...

very cool. your mom gives great presents!

Anonymous said...

What a great gift! I've bookmarked this for reference at the holidays...I know someone this would be perfect for! Thanks for sharing.

Kitty said...

I am very envious - we treated ourselves to one of these and we didn't get a single mushroom from it. I think it ended up being dumped in the compost or the chiminia. Anyway, musn't grumble we have plenty of other things to eat from our garden and allotment. Happy eating.

Anonymous said...

that is one of the coolest things, maybe ever... I am going to go have a a look at ordering one!

Anonymous said...

How neat! I will have to remember this for the gift giving season, or maybe I will just purchase one for myself. Keep us updated on how long it lasts etc.

Jessica Jones said...

A note from my mom: it's cheaper to order the log through Amazon and it comes from the same place. Good tip.

It comes already pregnant (hee hee!) with mushrooms. You can see lots of places where they will grow from. You "shock" it by putting it in cold water for 24 hours, and then mushrooms will start to grow in the next few days. After harvesting them, you have to let it sit for about 6 weeks, soaking it a couple times in regular water, and then you can shock it again and make it produce more mushrooms. Supposedly it will produce mushrooms for years to come! We shall see!

Anonymous said...

wow i just spent about 30 minutes reading this website! it says thugh you;re suposed to leave it inside at room temperature...i dont think that would match my decor :)

Jessica Jones said...

I know. I haven't quite figured out what to do about that. When it gets hot out, I'm going to have to bring it in. And i think I read something about it attracting bugs if you leave it outside. Goody.

Alfred T. Mahan said...

*sighs* I guess I'm one of The Few, The Proud, The Allergic To Fungus that can't use this to complement meals.

Which is a darned shame, because I've been told by my friends who CAN eat mushrooms that they're darned tasty. Mayhap I have a gift idea for them, then, assuming it doesn't clash with their decor.

Hurrayic said...

Is this a glimpse into how you got your creativity? Your mother's gift was very fun and unique. Thanks for the idea.

Megumi said...

Well, I think Shiitake should be grown under shade in a damp environment in Japan.

So your babies this year will be mushrooms? It was funny that you and Alex treated your tomatoes like your children:)

haus maus said...

this is a total riot. i'm super allergic to shitake mushrooms though. my face swells and turns beet red and i can't breathe and nearly go into shock. yeah, it's that bad. but i like LOOKING at the log and marvel at how nature is, it's so amazing.

Jessica Jones said...

Wow, Holly. Guess I won't invite you over to eat some, then!