How to Cultivate Cordyceps Militaris Mushrooms | With William Padilla-Brown | Grow in Jars or Bins

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to cultivating Cordyceps militaris mushrooms at home, based on insights from mycologist William Padilla-Brown. Cordyceps are renowned for their medicinal properties and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. In this guide, we will cover the necessary ingredients, materials, and step-by-step processes for growing these mushrooms in jars or bins.

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

To start your cultivation process, you will need the following ingredients:

• Whole grain brown rice
• Nutrient broth components:
  • Water
  • Sugar (for energy)
  • Yeast extract (for nutrients)
• Optional: Additional supplements to enhance growth (e.g., malt extract)

Step 2: Assemble Laboratory Materials and Supplies

Prepare the following materials to ensure a sterile environment for cultivation:

• Pressure cooker or steam sterilizer
• Jars or bins with lids
• Gloves and face mask for hygiene
• Alcohol for sterilization
• Syringe and needle for inoculation
• Incubator or a dark space for incubation

Step 3: Create Nutrient Broth

Prepare a nutrient broth that supports the growth of Cordyceps:

1. In a clean container, mix the following:
   • 1 liter of water
   • 10 grams of sugar
   • 5 grams of yeast extract
2. Stir until dissolved.
3. Pour the mixture into jars or bins, leaving some space at the top.

Step 4: Grow Cordyceps in Jars

For jar cultivation, follow these steps:

1. Fill sterilized jars with the nutrient broth.
2. Secure the lids loosely to allow gas exchange.
3. Pressure cook the jars at 15 PSI for 20-30 minutes to sterilize the broth.

Step 5: Pressure Cook Jars

Ensure your jars are properly sterilized:

1. Place the jars in the pressure cooker.
2. Allow the cooker to reach full pressure.
3. Maintain the pressure for the recommended time, then let the cooker depressurize naturally.

Step 6: Grow Cordyceps in Bins Using an InstaPot

For bin cultivation, use an InstaPot for cooking:

1. Fill bins with the nutrient broth.
2. Cover the bins with a lid but ensure they are not airtight.
3. Set the InstaPot to the pressure cooking mode for 20-30 minutes.

Step 7: Inoculate Your Jars and Bins with Culture

Once the jars or bins have cooled, inoculate them with Cordyceps culture:

1. Using a sterilized syringe, draw up the culture.
2. Insert the needle through the lid of the jar/bin and inject the culture into the nutrient broth.
3. Make sure to work in a sterile environment to prevent contamination.

Step 8: Incubation in Darkness

After inoculation, it's crucial to provide the right conditions for growth:

1. Place the jars or bins in a dark, warm location (around 70-75°F or 21-24°C).
2. Leave them undisturbed for 2-3 weeks to allow mycelium to colonize the broth.

Step 9: Harvest

Once the mycelium has fully colonized the substrate, it's time to harvest:

1. Check for visible signs of fruiting bodies (mushrooms).
2. Carefully remove the mushrooms by twisting them off at the base.
3. Store the harvested mushrooms in a cool, dry place or use them fresh.

Conclusion

Cultivating Cordyceps militaris mushrooms at home is a rewarding process that requires careful attention to hygiene and proper growth conditions. By following these steps, you can successfully grow this medicinal mushroom and enjoy its benefits. For further exploration, consider experimenting with different nutrient broths or cultivation methods to enhance your yield. Happy growing!