Brown Rice Flour for Mushroom cultivation

Organic rice flour is used as part of an ideal substrate for some species of fungi.

Content

100% organic rice flour. Available in two sizes: 250 grams and 1 kg

Why use brown rice flour in mushroom cultivation?

Brown rice flour is a commonly used substrate in mushroom cultivation because it is nutritious and easy to work with. Mushrooms are heterotrophic organisms, which means they rely on organic substrates for their nutrition. Brown rice flour provides a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and other nutrients that mushrooms need to grow.

Brown rice flour is also relatively cheap and widely available, making it an accessible option for home growers. In addition, it is gluten-free, which is important for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance who may be sensitive to other types of grain-based substrates.

Finally, brown rice flour is easy to sterilize, which is a critical step in mushroom cultivation. Sterilization is necessary to kill off any bacteria or other microorganisms that could compete with the mushrooms for resources. Brown rice flour can be sterilized using a pressure cooker or other sterilization methods, ensuring that the substrate is free from contaminants and ready for inoculation with mushroom spores or mycelium.

Use of brown rice flour

Brown rice flour is commonly used as a substrate for growing mushrooms, called PF TEK. Here is a general overview of the process:

1. Prepare the substrate: Mix brown rice flour with vermiculite in a 2:1 ratio (by volume). Add water to the mixture until it reaches a consistency like wet sand. Fill sterilized jars with the substrate, leaving about an inch of space at the top.

2. Sterilize the substrate: Place the jars in a pressure cooker and sterilize them for 90 minutes at 15 psi. This kills any bacteria or other contaminants that could interfere with mushroom growth.

3. Inoculate the substrate: Once the jars have cooled, inject spores or mycelium into the substrate using a sterile syringe. Seal the holes with tape and incubate the jars in a warm, dark place.

4. Allow the mycelium to colonize: The mycelium will grow throughout the substrate, turning it into a solid cake. This can take several weeks.

5. Induce fruiting: Once the substrate is fully colonized, expose the cake to fresh air and light. Mushrooms should begin to form within a few days.

It's important to maintain a sterile environment throughout the process to prevent contamination. Additionally, different strains of mushrooms may have slightly different optimal growing conditions, so it's always a good idea to do research specific to the strain you are working with.