Lion’s Mane mushrooms, scientific name hericium erinaceus, are a unique species of fungi. These mushrooms tend to look a bit like a white, fluffy pom-pom. Lion’s Mane mushrooms are edible and can be used in all sorts of dishes after cooking, and can also be used in the form of tinctures.
Sometimes, these mushrooms change color and turn yellow. That can be a bit of a head-scratcher, so let’s dive into why does lions mane mushroom turn yellow.
Why Do Lion’s Mane Mushrooms Turn Yellow?
Growing mushrooms can be a challenge. Imagine you’re growing a beautiful, fluffy lion’s mane mushroom, and one day, it starts to look a little off-color. Instead of its usual white, it’s got a yellowish tint.
It’s important to know the reasons why Lion’s Mane mushrooms have turned yellow. That way, we can create strategies to help prevent the discoloration.
Let’s dive into the reasons and see what’s behind this colorful transformation.
Age
Lion’s Mane mushrooms can turn yellow due to being past their prime. The aging process is natural and matures the mushrooms. When Lion’s Mane mushrooms are fresh, they’re bright and white, but as they start to dry out, they can get a yellowish tint.
Additionally these mushrooms also begin to yellow when they are about to release spores. This is also a sign of maturity. They are still safe to eat but they might have a slightly different taste and texture.
Unwanted Guests
Bacterial or fungal contamination is one big reason your lion’s mane mushroom might turn yellow. Mushrooms need a clean environment to thrive.
Lion’s Mane mushrooms grow on a hardwood substrate. Bacteria or fungi can sneak into the mushroom’s soil and substrate. They absorb the nutrients that mushrooms need, and often grow on or around the mushroom. This can cause the mushrooms to turn yellow.
There might also be other effects beside yellowing. The mushrooms may grow slimy to the touch and develop a a musty odor. At this point they are not safe to consume.
Not-So-Perfect Growing Environment
Another reason could be the mushroom’s living conditions. These mushrooms need the right balance and optimal conditions to grow well.
Lion’s Mane mushrooms prefer cooler climates and need only a little moisture for proper growth. If the temperature isn’t just right, or if there’s not enough humidity, the mushroom can get stressed. They lose their white color and develop a yellow hue.
Exposure to too much direct sunlight can also cause these mushrooms to turn yellow. The sunlight breaks down the pigments that give the mushrooms their white color.
What Can You Do About It?
Discovering your lion’s mane mushroom looking a bit yellow can be unsettling, but it’s not the end of the world. By following a few steps, you might be able to solve the problem and even prevent it from happening again.
Step One: Check the Mushroom’s Home
Start by inspecting the growing area where your mushrooms are sprouting. Look for unwelcome mold or a musty smell, which could signal that it’s time for a cleanup. Remove any contaminated materials to create a healthier environment for your mushrooms. Routinely sterilizing and cleaning the mushroom and the substrate will help prevent contamination.
Step Two: Make Their Home Cozy
Lion’s Mane mushrooms thrive in certain growing conditions. Ensure their space is cool and moist by misting them. However, avoid making them too soggy. Proper ventilation is also crucial, so they get enough fresh air.
This balance keeps your mushrooms happy and less likely to turn yellow. Make sure the fungi have adequate exposure to light, but not too much.
Step Three: Keep an Eye on Them
Vigilant monitoring of your mushrooms during the growth process is key. A small amount of yellow might just be a natural part of their growth cycle.
But, if you notice more extensive yellowing, it could be time to harvest them before their condition worsens.
Step Four: Harvest the Mushrooms
When it’s time to harvest, examine each mushroom closely. If the yellow parts are minimal, you can simply trim them. It would be safe to consume the rest. However, if the yellow is widespread, it’s best to discard the mushroom to avoid any potential risks.
Wrapping It Up
Mushroom cultivation is not necessarily an easy task, especially if you are growing mushrooms at home. It is best to buy a grow kit from a reputable dealer. That way, the spores will be of high quality.
If your lion’s mane mushrooms are turning yellow, it could be because they’re getting older. It might also happen if they are sick from germs or they’re not in the best spot to grow.
By checking their home, making sure they have what they need, watching over them, and picking them at the right time, you can help keep your mushrooms looking good and ready for a tasty meal.