Have you ever seen a mushroom that looks like a fluffy white pom-pom? That’s the Lion’s Mane mushroom!
It’s a special kind of mushroom that grows in a unique shape, kind of like the mane of a lion. But sometimes, these mushrooms change color and turn brown.
When lions mane mushrooms turn brown, it’s often a sign that they’re getting old, just like how leaves change color in the fall.
These mushrooms like cool and moist environments, and when they dry out or get too much heat, they start to brown, which means they’re not as fresh.
Let’s find out in details why this happen and how to fix it!
What Are Lion Mane Mushrooms?
Lion’s mane mushroom, also known as hericium erinaceus, is a type of edible mushroom that has a unique appearance resembling a lion’s mane.
It is native to North America, Europe, and Asia and is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for its potential health benefits.
This mushroom is safe to eat like oyster mushroom. Lion’s mane mushroom has a mild, seafood-like flavor with a texture similar to lobster or crab meat.
When cooked, it is often described as tender and juicy, making it a popular choice for vegetarian and vegan dishes as a meat substitute.
4 Possible Causes Lion Mushrooms Turn Brown
Is your Lion’s Mane harvest looking brown and unappetizing? Here are 4 possible culprits to investigate.
1. Exposure to Oxygen
When lion mushrooms are cut or bruised, they can turn brown due to exposure to oxygen. This natural process is similar to how apples or avocados’s colors turn into brownish tint when left out in the open.
It’s all because of oxygen. So, remember to handle them with care, or they’ll have a “fun-guy” makeover. But don’t worry, they’re still tasty on the inside, just like a “roar-ing” good meal!
2. Aging
Have you ever noticed how some mushrooms change their look over time? These mushrooms are known for this color-changing trick. When they’re young, they are as white as a snowy day.
But as they grow up, they might start to show spots that look yellow or brown. Think of it like how a banana goes from green to yellow to brown. It’s all part of getting older!
3. Contamination
Lion mushrooms are picky eaters! These mushrooms don’t like yucky stuff like bacteria and mold. If they’re not stored and handled properly, they’ll turn brown and gross!
So, make sure to give them the VIP treatment to keep them looking fresh and tasty. It’s a “fun-gi” fact that these little guys need lots of TLC to stay at their best!
4. Fungal Infection
Fungal infection can cause them to change color. They thrive in the damp and warm conditions that mushrooms need to grow, and can spread easily among mushroom crops. It’s important to be vigilant and take steps to prevent fungus in mushroom crops.
5. Direct Watering
Watering your lion mane mushroom directly can cause it to turn brown. When you water it, make sure to be careful and not pour water on the mushroom directly.
It’s important to water the soil around the mushroom instead. This will help keep your lion mane mushroom healthy and prevent it from turning brown. So remember, water around the mushroom, not on it!
6. Dryness
Mushrooms can turn brown due to dryness. Dryness can make the mushroom turn brown. Make sure to keep the mushroom’s environment moist. You can sprinkle water to keep it from drying out. That way, your lion mane mushroom will stay healthy and white.
6 Ways To Prevent Lion Mane Mushroom From Turning Brown
Here are six ways to keep your lion mane mushroom looking fresh and vibrant, and prevent it from browning.
Immediate Harvesting:
Lion’s Mane is mature when the spines grow longer and it stopped getting bigger, when you see a matured lion mane mushroom, pick them immediately to keep them from turning brown.
Waiting could ruin their beauty. Harvest them right away for the best taste and texture. Don’t hesitate when you spot those beautiful mushrooms. Get them while they’re still fresh and vibrant.
Proper Storage:
If you can’t use the mushrooms right away, store them in a cool, dark place. This will keep them fresh and prevent browning.
You can use a paper bag or a container with holes to allow for air circulation. Avoid storing them in plastic as it can make them slimy. Check on them regularly and use them as soon as possible.
Gentle Handling:
When you work with Lion’s Mane mushrooms, be careful. If you handle them roughly, they can get bruised and turn brown. Treat them gently, so they stay fresh and appetizing.
A little care goes a long way in preserving their delicate texture and flavor. So, handle with care when working with Lion’s Mane mushrooms.
Acidic Ingredients:
When Lion’s Mane mushrooms are cut, they can turn brown quickly. To prevent this, use lemon juice or vinegar to slow down the browning process caused by oxidation. Simply add a squeeze of lemon to your Lion’s Mane mushrooms as you cook them to keep them looking fresh and appetizing.
High Humidity:
Lion Mane mushrooms need lots of humidity. Keep the environment moist to stop them from turning brown. This will help them stay fresh.
If the environment is too dry, the mushrooms will lose their moisture and start to brown. So make sure to keep the humidity high to keep your Lion Mane mushrooms looking and tasting their best.
How To Grow Lion’s Mane At Home By Using Mushroom Grow Kit
You can grow fresh lion’s mane mushrooms naturally by using these steps. Here’s how to grow mushroom at home using a mushroom-grow kit:
Step 1: Open the kit and follow the instructions for preparing the growing medium.
Step 2: Gently place the mushroom spawn into the prepared growing medium.
Step 3: Keep the kit in a well-lit room with indirect sunlight and maintain a consistent temperature.
Step 4: Mist the growing medium regularly to keep it moist.
Step 5: Watch as your Lion’s Mane mushroom grows and develops over several weeks.
Step 6: Once fully grown, harvest the mushroom and enjoy in your favorite recipes.
With a mushroom grow kit, growing your own Lion’s Mane mushroom at home is easy and rewarding.
Remember that the growing substrate for lion’s mane mushrooms should be high in nitrogen and can include hardwood sawdust, wood chips, or straw. Overall, lion’s mane mushrooms require a stable and controlled environment to grow successfully.
FAQs
Check out the most frequently asked questions!
Q: How Can I Fix Brown Lions Mane Mushroom?
A: To fix brown Lions Mane Mushroom, ensure they are not exposed to direct sunlight, provide adequate fresh air exchange, mist growing area regularly, and ensure proper harvesting time.
Q: What Is a Lions Mane Grow Kit?
A: A lion’s mane grow kit is a convenient way to cultivate Lions Mane mushrooms at home. It typically includes the necessary substrate and spawn to start the growing process.
Q: What Are The Ideal Growing Conditions For Lions Mane Mushroom?
A: Lions Mane mushrooms prefer a hardwood substrate and a moist environment with indirect sunlight. They thrive indoors in a gourmet mushroom growing environment.
Q: How do I Prevent My Lions Mane Mushroom From Turning Yellow?
A: Lion’s mane have moisture content, these mushrooms prefer humid environement. ensure proper mist to maintain a humid environment and avoid overexposure to direct sunlight.
Q: Can I Use a Spray To Care For My Lions Mane Grow Kit?
A: Yes, It’s best to use a spray to mist the environment for your Lions Mane grow kit to maintain the required humidity levels for optimal growth.
Q: When Is The Harvest Time For Lions Mane Mushroom?
A: Harvest Lions Mane Mushroom when they are fully mature, firm, and before they turn overly brown. This is typically around 4-6 weeks after the first appearance of the lion’s mane mycelium.
Q: How do I Inoculate Lions Mane spawn?
A: Inoculate Lions Mane spawn by introducing it to a suitable substrate and providing the necessary growing conditions for the mycelium to develop and form fruiting bodies.
Q: Can I grow Lions Mane Mushroom at home?
A: Yes, you can grow Lion’s Mane Mushroom at home using a grow kit and by following a guide to growing Lion’s Mane. It’s a rewarding and achievable process for mushroom enthusiasts.
Q: What Kind of Growing Environment Does Lion Mane Mushrooms Need?
Lion’s mane mushrooms thrive in a cool, moist environment with high humidity and plenty of fresh air circulation. Lion’s mane prefer temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) and do best in low light conditions.
Final Thoughts
Lions mane mushrooms turn brown due to a natural oxidation process. When exposed to air, enzymes in the mushroom react and cause the chane in coloration. This is perfectly normal and doesn’t affect the taste or quality of this edible mushroom. So don’t worry if your lions mane turns brown – it’s just doing its thing!