Mushroom Biology
Oyster Mushrooms and Sustainable Cultivation
Oyster mushrooms are often held up as sustainable food. This article explains how they turn by-products into food, what happens to spent substrate and why the...
The Spore & Bloom Library
Notes on the science, traditions and cultivation behind functional mushrooms, from the people who make Spore & Bloom.
Mushroom Biology
How Oyster Mushrooms Grow
Oyster mushrooms are among the easiest mushrooms to grow. This article explains how they grow in the wild, their carnivorous twist and how they’re cultivated.
Mushroom Biology
Pleurotus Species Explained
“Oyster mushroom” can mean several related species. This article introduces the Pleurotus genus, from the common Oyster to king, pink, phoenix and golden oysters.
Mushroom Biology
Chaga and Birch Trees: Understanding the Relationship
Chaga and birch are inseparable. This article explains how chaga infects birch, how the conk develops, why it grows on birch and what that means for...
Mushroom Biology
Why Chaga Is Not Technically a Mushroom
Chaga is often called a mushroom, but what’s harvested isn’t one. This article explains the sterile conk, the rarely seen fruiting body and why it matters...
Mushroom Biology
How Cultivated Cordyceps Is Grown
How do you grow a fungus that normally grows on insects? This article explains how cultivated Cordyceps militaris is produced, from pure culture to harvest.
Reishi Tincture vs Powder
Reishi tincture or powder? Because of Reishi’s bitterness and chemistry, the choice works differently. This article compares the two, with a side-by-side table.
Mushroom Biology
Ganoderma Species Explained: Is All Reishi the Same?
“Reishi” has been applied to several Ganoderma species. This article explains the naming problem, what DNA studies revealed and why it matters for research and labelling.
Microbial and Contaminant Testing for Mushroom Products
Mushroom products can be tested for microbes and other contaminants. This article explains microbial testing, pesticides, mycotoxins and how to read results.
Heavy Metals in Mushrooms: Why Testing Matters
Mushrooms can take up heavy metals from their surroundings. This article explains why, how wild and cultivated material differ, the legal context and how testing works.
Alpha-Glucans, Starch and What They Can Tell You
Alpha-glucans rarely appear on labels but can reveal a lot. This article explains why mushrooms contain little starch, why grain-grown products can be high in it...
Extraction & Manufacturing
Common Mushroom Extraction Myths
Mushroom extraction attracts plenty of myths. This article corrects seven of the most common, from “dual extract means best” to “more heat is always better”.