How to Grow Eriingy Mushrooms
Step-by-Step Guide

Phase 1: Preparation

Unlike Shiitake, Eryngii is a top-fruiting species. Do not remove the plastic bag.
The bag acts as a guide, forcing the mushrooms to grow vertically and protecting the developing stems.

• Scratching
  Gently scrape the top surface of the substrate with a sterilized fork or rake tool.
  Remove the loose white mycelium layer to expose the fresh substrate underneath.
  This “injury” stimulates the block to produce fruit bodies.
• Placement
  Place blocks on shelves with the filter patch/top facing up.
  Leave bags closed and slightly rise temperature to let the mycelium recover from scratching.
  
  
• Opening
  Cut the top of the bag just above the substrate surface.
• Folding
  Fold the excess plastic down to the level of the substrate block (forming a “collar” or “cuff”). This exposes the top surface to fresh air while keeping the sides covered.

Phase 2: Opening (5-7 days after phase 1)

To ensure an even pin set (primordia formation) across the surface, the old aerial mycelium must be disturbed.

• Opening
  Cut the top of the bag just above the substrate surface.
  
  Leave the plastic around the bag so the fruiting bodies are protected by the plastic.
  Fruiting bodies will grow from small pins to 2-3 cm fruiding bodies.

Phase 3: Pinning

This is the most critical phase for quality control.

• Pinning
  Maintain 90-95% RH and 16°C.
  Within 8-10 days, small pins will appear across the surface.
  the right moment to unfold the plastic to the substrate level.

Phase 4: Growth & Climate Management

As the mushrooms elongate, slightly reduce humidity to prevent bacterial blotch.

• Airflow
  Ensure gentle air movement.
  Stagnant air leads to “fuzzy” stems (aerial mycelium climbing the stem).
• CO₂
  Eryngii stems thrive in slightly higher CO₂, but caps need fresh air.
  If caps are tiny and stems are excessively long, increase Fresh Air Exchange (FAE).

Phase 5: Harvest

Timing is crucial for shelf-life and texture.

• When to Harvest
  The ideal moment is when the cap is fully formed but still flat or slightly convex.
  Do not wait for the cap edges to curl upward (funnel shape);
  this indicates over-maturity and reduces storage time.
• Technique
  In general Eryngii is harvested per single mushroom, however, when grown more compact clusters could be harvested as well.

Disclaimer
These instructions are general guidelines for CNC substrates.
Optimal parameters may drastically vary depending on your specific growing facility design and environment.