All About Portabella Mushrooms: A Beginner’s Guide
Introduction
Portabella mushrooms are delicious, large mushrooms that are often used as a meat substitute in vegetarian dishes. They are a type of mature Crimini mushroom, and they have a slightly different name depending on who you talk to. Some people call them portabellas, while others call them portobellos.
Can I Grow Portabella Mushrooms?
Yes, you can grow your own portabella mushrooms. There are two ways to do this: you can either purchase a mushroom growing kit or start the process yourself. If you decide to start the process yourself, you will need to purchase mushroom spores.
How to Grow Portabella Mushrooms
Materials:
- Mushroom growing kit or mushroom spores
- Compost
- Peat moss
- Newspaper
- Distilled water
- Spray bottle
Instructions:
Growing Portabellas Outdoors
- Build a raised bed that is 4 feet by 4 feet and 8 inches deep.
- Fill the bed with 5 or 6 inches of well-seasoned manure-based compost.
- Cover the compost with cardboard and attach black plastic to cover the bed.
- Keep the bed covered for two weeks to sterilize it.
- Remove the plastic and cardboard and sprinkle 1 inch of mushroom spores over the compost.
- Lightly mix the spores into the compost and allow them to sit for a couple of weeks.
- You will see a white webbed film (mycelium) appear across the soil surface. This means your spores are growing.
- Apply a 1 inch layer of moist peat moss across the compost.
- Top the peat moss with newspaper.
- Mist the newspaper daily with distilled water.
- Continue misting twice a day for ten days.
- Harvest the mushrooms when they reach the desired size.
Growing Portabellas Indoors
- Fill a tray that is 8 inches deep and 4 feet by 4 feet with 6 inches of seasoned manure-based compost.
- Sprinkle mushroom spores over the compost and lightly mix them in.
- Tamp down the compost lightly.
- Put the tray in a dark place until you see the white growth.
- Lay a layer of damp peat moss down and cover it with newspaper.
- Mist the newspaper twice a day for two weeks.
- Remove the newspaper and check on the mushrooms.
- If you see little white heads, remove the newspaper permanently.
- If not, replace the newspaper and keep misting for another week.
- Once the paper has been removed, mist the mushrooms daily.
- Harvest the mushrooms when they reach the desired size.
Tips for Growing Portabella Mushrooms
- Portabella mushrooms grow best in temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- They need a lot of moisture, so mist them regularly.
- Harvest the mushrooms when they are firm and have a slightly open cap.
Benefits of Growing Portabella Mushrooms
- Portabella mushrooms are a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
- They are also low in calories and fat.
- Growing your own mushrooms can be a fun and rewarding experience.
Conclusion
Portabella mushrooms are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. They are easy to grow, and they can be grown both indoors and outdoors. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown portabella mushrooms all year round.