Shiitake Mushroom Fruiting Block - 5 lbs

Grow one of the world’s most beloved culinary mushrooms at home.
Shiitake mushrooms are a global staple prized for their rich, savory flavor, firm texture, and impressive health benefits. Our 5-pound Shiitake Fruiting Block makes it easy to grow this iconic mushroom at home with consistent, rewarding results. Slower-growing than oysters but deeply satisfying, Shiitake mushrooms deliver dense, meaty caps that elevate everything from stir-fries to broths. Watching them slowly emerge and mature is a reminder that some of nature’s best rewards are worth the wait.

Product Details

• Weight: 5 lbs fully colonized block

• Expected Yield: ~0.75–1 lb per harvest

• Number of Harvests: 2–3 flushes

• Time to Grow: 10–21 days per flush

• Difficulty: Beginner–Intermediate

• Best Environment: Use with your Lykyn Smart Grow Chamber

Why We Love Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are one of the most widely consumed mushrooms in the world—and for good reason. They’re deeply flavorful, nutritionally dense, and incredibly versatile in the kitchen.

• Rich Umami Flavor: Shiitakes are known for their bold, savory taste that adds depth to soups, stir-fries, sauces, and broths.

• Meaty, Satisfying Texture: Thick caps and firm flesh hold up beautifully to cooking, making Shiitakes a favorite meat alternative.

• Nutrient-Dense & Low Calorie: Shiitakes are low in calories and fat while providing fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals.

• Rich in Key Nutrients: A great source of B vitamins, copper, selenium, zinc, and potassium.

• Immune-Supporting Compounds: Shiitakes contain beta-glucans and lentinan, compounds studied for their role in immune system support.

• A Classic to Grow: Watching Shiitake pins slowly form and mature into dense, cracked caps is a uniquely rewarding growing experience.

How to Grow Your Shiitake Mushrooms

1. Setup: Fill your humidifier tank with distilled water and place the Shiitake block inside your Lykyn Grow Chamber. Leave space in front of the block for mushrooms to grow freely and avoid blocking the humidifier airflow.

2. Sterilize: Flame sterilize a razor or knife and allow it to cool completely.

3. Slice: Cut a small “X” on the side of the bag where you want the mushrooms to fruit.

4. Select: Place the chamber top back on and choose “Shiitake” from the Lykyn App.

5. Relax: Shiitakes take a bit longer than oysters—your chamber will maintain ideal conditions while you wait for growth to begin.

When It’s Ready to Harvest

Shiitake mushrooms are ready when:

• Caps are mostly open but edges are still slightly curled downward.

• The surface is firm and dry, often with light cracking on the cap.

Harvest before the caps flatten completely for the best texture and flavor.

How to Harvest

Use a clean knife to cut mushrooms at the base of the stem. Shiitakes are firmly attached, so cutting rather than twisting helps protect the block for future flushes.

How to Store

• Fresh: Store in a paper bag in the refrigerator.

• Shelf Life: 7–10 days fresh, longer than most oyster mushrooms.

• Preservation: Shiitakes dry exceptionally well and can be stored dried for months.

Cooking Tips

Shiitake mushrooms are incredibly versatile and develop deep flavor when cooked properly:

1. Remove tough stems if desired (save them for stock).

2. Sauté caps over medium heat until golden and slightly crisp.

3. Finish with soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, or herbs to enhance their natural umami.

They’re excellent in stir-fries, ramen, risotto, soups, sauces, and plant-based dishes.

Preparing for a Second or Third Flush

1. After harvesting, remove any remaining mushroom material from the block surface.

2. Re-soak the block in cold, clean water for 12–24 hours to rehydrate it fully.

3. Drain well and return the block to your Lykyn Grow Chamber.

4. Select “Shiitake” again in the app and begin the next growing cycle.