After successfully growing your medicinal mushrooms, it’s essential to harvest and store them properly to ensure you get the most out of your hard work.

Each mushroom species has its own optimal harvesting time and storage requirements.

When and How to Harvest Each Mushroom Type

• Lion’s Mane: Harvest when the mushroom has developed its characteristic shaggy appearance, but before it starts to turn brown. Cut the mushroom at the base with a clean, sharp knife.
• Oyster Mushrooms: Harvest when the caps have fully opened but before the edges start to curl upward. Gently twist and pull the mushrooms from the substrate, or cut them at the base with a clean knife.
• Turkey Tail: Harvest when the mushrooms have reached their full size and color. Cut the mushrooms at the base with a clean, sharp knife.
• Shiitake Mushrooms: Harvest when the caps have fully expanded but before the edges start to curl under. Gently twist and pull the mushrooms from the substrate, or cut them at the base with a clean knife.
• Reishi Mushrooms: Harvest when the caps have fully developed and the edges have turned slightly yellow. Cut the mushrooms at the base with a clean, sharp knife.

Always use clean tools and hands when harvesting your mushrooms to prevent contamination and ensure the highest quality.

Proper Storage Techniques

To maintain the freshness and potency of your homegrown medicinal mushrooms, it’s crucial to store them properly.

Here are some tips for storing each mushroom type:

• Lion’s Mane: Store fresh Lion’s Mane mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, slice the mushrooms and dry them in a food dehydrator or air-dry them in a well-ventilated area.
• Oyster Mushrooms: Store fresh Oyster Mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, dry the mushrooms in a food dehydrator or air-dry them in a well-ventilated area.
• Turkey Tail: Dry Turkey Tail mushrooms in a food dehydrator or air-dry them in a well-ventilated area. Store the dried mushrooms in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
• Shiitake Mushrooms: Store fresh Shiitake Mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, dry the mushrooms in a food dehydrator or air-dry them in a well-ventilated area.
• Reishi Mushrooms: Dry Reishi Mushrooms in a food dehydrator or air-dry them in a well-ventilated area. Store the dried mushrooms in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Dried mushrooms can be reconstituted in water or used directly in tinctures, teas, and other preparations.

By properly storing your homegrown medicinal mushrooms, you can enjoy their benefits for months to come.

Now that you’ve successfully grown and harvested your medicinal mushrooms let’s explore how to create potent tinctures to harness their therapeutic properties.

Making Mushroom Tinctures

Mushroom tinctures are a convenient and effective way to extract and concentrate the beneficial compounds found in medicinal mushrooms.

By creating your own tinctures, you can tailor the potency and flavour to your preferences and ensure the highest quality ingredients are used.

Benefits of Mushroom Tinctures

• Concentrated form of medicinal mushrooms, making it easy to consume therapeutic doses
• Long shelf life, allowing you to preserve your mushroom harvest for extended periods
• Versatile and can be added to various beverages or consumed directly
• Alcohol extraction process helps to break down the mushroom cell walls, increasing bioavailability of beneficial compounds

Supplies and Ingredients Needed

To create your own mushroom tinctures, you’ll need the following supplies and ingredients:

• Dried medicinal mushrooms (Lion’s Mane, Oyster, Turkey Tail, Shiitake, or Reishi)
• High-proof alcohol (such as 80-100 proof vodka or 190-proof grain alcohol)
• Airtight glass jars with lids
• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
• Funnel
• Amber glass bottles with dropper tops for storage

When selecting your ingredients, opt for high-quality, organically grown mushrooms whenever possible.

At Telos Health, we offer a range of dried medicinal mushrooms perfect for tincture-making.

Step-by-Step Guide for Making Tinctures

1. Coarsely grind or chop your dried mushrooms into small pieces to increase surface area.
2. Fill a clean, airtight glass jar about 1/2 to 2/3 full with the ground mushrooms.
3. Pour high-proof alcohol over the mushrooms, completely covering them by at least 1 inch.
4. Seal the jar tightly and shake well to ensure the mushrooms are fully submerged.
5. Store the jar in a cool, dark place and shake daily for 4-6 weeks.
6. After 4-6 weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into a clean glass bowl.
7. Squeeze the cheesecloth or press the mushroom material to extract as much liquid as possible.
8. Using a funnel, pour the strained tincture into amber glass bottles with dropper tops for easy dosing and storage.
9. Label the bottles with the mushroom type and date of creation.
10. Store the tinctures in a cool, dark place. They will remain potent for several years.

Your homemade mushroom tinctures are now ready to use!

You can take them directly under the tongue, mix them into beverages, or add them to your favourite recipes for an extra boost of medicinal mushroom goodness.

Dosage and Usage Guidelines

Dosage guidelines may vary depending on the mushroom species and individual needs.

As a general rule, start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed. A typical dosage range for mushroom tinctures is 1-2 dropperfuls (30-60 drops), taken 2-3 times per day.

When using mushroom tinctures, it’s essential to listen to your body and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or underlying health conditions.

While medicinal mushrooms are generally considered safe, they can interact with certain medications and may not be suitable for everyone.

Incorporating mushroom tinctures into your daily wellness routine can provide a convenient and potent way to support your overall health and well-being.

Mushroom Recipes

In addition to creating tinctures, you can also enjoy the benefits of medicinal mushrooms by incorporating them into your meals.

Cooking with fresh mushrooms is a delicious way to add flavour, texture, and nutrition to your favourite dishes.

Cooking with Fresh Mushrooms

Fresh medicinal mushrooms, such as Lion’s Mane and Oyster Mushrooms, can be used in a variety of culinary applications.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Sauté sliced Lion’s Mane or Oyster Mushrooms with garlic and herbs for a simple, flavorful side dish
• Add chopped Lion’s Mane or Oyster Mushrooms to omelets, quiches, or frittatas for a nutritious breakfast
• Grill or roast whole Lion’s Mane mushrooms as a vegan alternative to steak
• Incorporate Lion’s Mane or Oyster Mushrooms into stir-fries, pasta dishes, or risottos for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition

When cooking with fresh mushrooms, be sure to clean them gently with a damp cloth or brush to remove any dirt or debris.

Avoid soaking them in water, as they can absorb moisture and become soggy.

Incorporating Mushroom Tinctures into Recipes

Mushroom tinctures can be easily incorporated into various recipes for an extra dose of medicinal benefits. Here are a few ideas:

• Add a few drops of Lion’s Mane tincture to your morning coffee or tea for a cognitive boost
• Mix Reishi tincture into hot cocoa or chai tea for a calming, stress-reducing beverage
• Stir Turkey Tail tincture into soups, stews, or sauces for an immune-supporting kick
• Blend Shiitake tincture into salad dressings or marinades for an added flavor and health benefits

By incorporating mushroom tinctures into your recipes, you can easily and discreetly enjoy the therapeutic properties of medicinal mushrooms throughout the day.

Healthy and Delicious Mushroom-Based Meal Ideas

Looking for inspiration in the kitchen? Here are a few healthy and delicious mushroom-based meal ideas to try:

• Lion’s Mane “Crab” Cakes: Substitute shredded Lion’s Mane mushrooms for crab meat in your favorite crab cake recipe for a vegan twist on a classic dish
• Oyster Mushroom “Pulled Pork” Sandwiches: Slow-cook shredded Oyster Mushrooms in barbecue sauce and serve on buns with coleslaw for a satisfying, plant-based meal
• Shiitake Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Portobello Caps: Remove the stems from Portobello mushrooms, stuff with sautéed Shiitake mushrooms and spinach, and bake until tender
• Turkey Tail and Ginger Immune-Boosting Soup: Simmer Turkey Tail mushrooms, ginger, garlic, and vegetables in broth for a comforting and nourishing soup
• Reishi Mushroom Hot Chocolate: Blend Reishi mushroom powder or tincture into hot chocolate for a calming and delicious bedtime treat

By getting creative in the kitchen with medicinal mushrooms, you can enjoy their benefits in a wide variety of tasty and satisfying meals.

Sourcing Mushrooms and Tinctures

While growing your own medicinal mushrooms is a rewarding experience, we understand that not everyone has the time, space, or resources to do so.

That’s where Telos Health comes in – we’re here to provide you with the highest quality mushrooms, tinctures kits, and grow kits to support your health and wellness journey.

Finding Fresh Oyster Mushrooms in Musselburgh, East Lothian, and Surrounding Areas

At Telos Health, we take pride in cultivating fresh, organic Oyster Mushrooms for our local community.

Our mushrooms are grown with care in our East Lothian facility, ensuring the highest quality and freshness.

If you’re in the Musselburgh, East Lothian, or Edinburgh area, you can buy direct from us or find our fresh Oyster Mushrooms at local farmers’ markets, health food stores, and through our direct delivery service.

We believe in providing our community with the best possible products while supporting local, sustainable agriculture.

Telos Health’s “Grow in a Box” Oyster Mushroom Kits

For those who want to experience the joy of growing their own mushrooms without the hassle of sourcing materials and equipment, Telos Health offers our convenient “Grow in a Box” Oyster Mushroom kits.

These all-in-one kits include everything you need to grow your own Oyster Mushrooms at home, including:

• Pre-inoculated Oyster Mushroom substrate block
• Humidity tent – a plastic bag
• Misting bottle
• Detailed instructions

Our “Grow in a Box” kits are perfect for beginners and make a great gift for mushroom enthusiasts.

With just a little bit of care and attention, you’ll be harvesting your own fresh Oyster Mushrooms in no time!

Purchasing Mushroom Tinctures and Grow Kits from Telos Health

In addition to our fresh Oyster Mushrooms and “Grow in a Box” kits, Telos Health offers a range of high-quality medicinal mushroom and herbal DIY tinctures for Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, Shiitake, and Reishi mushrooms.

Our medicinal mushroom grow kits come with everything you need to cultivate your own mushrooms at home, including pre-inoculated substrate, growing containers, and detailed instructions.

We source our materials from trusted suppliers and rigorously test our kits to ensure the best possible results.

By choosing Telos Health for your medicinal mushroom needs, you can trust that you’re getting the highest quality products while supporting a local, sustainable business dedicated to promoting health and wellness in our community and throughout the UK.

Conclusion

We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with the knowledge and inspiration to start growing and using medicinal mushrooms at home.

By cultivating your own Lion’s Mane, Oyster Mushrooms, Turkey Tail, Shiitake, and Reishi mushrooms, you can take control of your health and well-being while enjoying the satisfying process of watching these incredible organisms grow.

Remember, at Telos Health, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Whether you need fresh mushrooms, tinctures, grow kits, or just some friendly advice, our team is dedicated to helping you on your journey to greater wellness through the power of medicinal mushrooms.

So, what are you waiting for? Start your home mushroom cultivation adventure today and discover the incredible benefits of these amazing fungi for yourself.

Visit Telos Health online or at our East Lothian facility to get started, and don’t forget to share your experiences with us along the way.

Happy growing, and may your journey into the world of medicinal mushrooms be filled with health, happiness, and plenty of delicious, homegrown mushrooms!