Be it for an energy boost or to help relax, mushroom tea is an easy and tasty alternative to coffee that provides all of its health benefits. But to reap all their advantages, mycelium substrate must first be acquired – here’s how it’s done.

Mushrooms require a rich environment rich in both nutrients and moisture to flourish, grow, and produce fruit. One way of providing them with all they require is with mycelium substrates which serve as organic support structures where mushroom mycelial cells colonize. Mushroom substrates typically comprise wood or straw, but other materials like coffee grounds, sawdust or even cardboard may also be suitable. Mushrooms require at least 2% nitrogen content in their substrate. Commercial mushroom substrates typically come pre-mixed with an appropriate balance of nitrogen and other essential minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, sulfur and phosphorus – providing enough space for mycelial cells to flourish and thrive.

Mycelium substrate can either be purchased from a specialty grower, or homemade using logs of straw cut from clean sources and stored for several months to prevent other forms of fungi from taking root, prior to being inoculated with mushroom spores by layer spawning technique; once colonized by mycelium it is transferred into a culture room for fruiting to occur.

Alternative mushroom substrates exist. These blocks have already been inoculated with mycelium and provide optimal conditions for mushroom cultivation. Ready-to-fruit mushroom substrate is one of the best choices for beginners interested in mushroom farming, and can usually be found at specialty mushroom stores. Notably, this type of substrate should only be purchased from reliable companies for specific mushroom species. Ready-to-fruit substrate offers a more convenient and cost-effective option for those without the time or expertise necessary to craft their own substrate at home. In addition to being easier, ready-to-fruit mushroom substrate can also be stored longer for future harvesting and has higher quality results than homemade varieties.