Lion’s Mane mushrooms are popular among mushroom enthusiasts and food lovers. People love to add them to their meals for a special touch.
But sometimes, when you’re growing these mushrooms at home, they might start to look a little yellow instead of white. If that happens to you, don’t worry!
In this article, we’re going to talk about what to do if your Lions Mane turns yellow. You will learn why and how these mushrooms lose their white color. So read on!
Why Might Your Lion’s Mane Mushroom Turn Yellow?
First off, it’s important to know the reasons why your Lion’s Mane mushrooms have turned yellow. These mushrooms may turn yellow for a number of reasons:
- Bacteria and fungi could be the culprits when they invade your mushroom’s space. If they’re the unwanted kind, they can cause discoloration. The mushrooms might also become slimy and mushy. They lose their usual texture and flavor.
- Mushrooms are very picky about their living conditions. Changing temperature and humidity levels can cause these mushrooms to turn yellow. They’re sensitive to their environment, much like how we might feel uncomfortable if our room is too hot or too cold. If the conditions are too wet, they might become yellow.
- While these mushrooms don’t need direct sunlight, they do need a certain amount of light. It should not be too much or too little, but just enough. If they don’t get their required level of light, they might start to feel stressed. When mushrooms are stressed, they show it through their color. That’s when you see them turning yellow.
- Additionally, they could be turning yellow due to age or overripeness. Older mushrooms often start to develop yellow or brown spots.
Remember, yellow mushrooms aren’t just unsightly. They could also be a sign that they’re not healthy. Paying attention to these changes can help you adjust their care and keep your mushroom family looking and feeling great.
What to do if Your Mushroom Looks Yellow
If you’re growing these edible mushrooms and notice they have started to sport a yellow hue, don’t worry just yet. With a few checks and adjustments, you can get your mushroom buddies back on track. Here’s what to do:
- Check Your Mushroom’s Home: Begin by inspecting the area where your Lion’s Mane mushrooms are growing. Look for unwelcome guests like mold or any off-putting smells. These could be signs of contamination in the substrate(for example straw, millet spawn, or coffee grounds). If you find anything amiss, it’s cleaning time! Remove any visible mold carefully. Disinfect the growing environment to ensure it’s completely germ-free. Remember, cleanliness is key to healthy mushrooms.
- Make Their Home Comfy: Mushrooms have particular needs, and if they’re turning yellow, they might be telling you they’re not too happy. They thrive in environments that are cool, slightly moist, and well-ventilated. So, make some adjustments to their living space. Lower the temperature if it’s too warm, mist the air if it’s too dry, and open up some space to let fresh air in.
- Keep an Eye on Them: Observation is crucial. Keep monitoring your mushrooms as they grow. A small amount of yellow might not be a big deal, and the mushrooms can still be healthy. But if you see the yellow color spreading or getting more intense, it’s a sign that you should harvest your fungal friends sooner rather than later to prevent further issues.
- Pick Your Mushrooms: When harvest time comes, examine your mushrooms closely. If you spot a slight yellow tinge, you can simply trim off the affected part. The rest of the mushroom is still edible. However, if the yellowing is severe, it’s safer to discard those mushrooms. It’s better to be safe and start anew.
Wrapping It Up
Lion’s Mane mushrooms (Hericium Erinaceus) have a shaggy, white ‘mane.’ If you see these fungi turning yellow, it could be a cause of concern. You might wonder if they are safe to eat.
Lion’s Mane mushrooms can begin yellowing due to excess or low moisture and humidity affecting the airflow. It could be because of exposure to light or lack of it. Too much direct sunlight can cause these mushrooms to develop a yellow pigment.
Bacterial or fungal infections can also cause discolorations. Yellowing could also be a result of the mushrooms being past their prime.
Keeping your Lion’s Mane mushrooms happy is all about balance. A clean growing area, optimal growing conditions and a proactive approach is all that’s needed from mushroom owners to keep their fungi healthy.