Hemlock reishi or "hemlock varnish shelf" (Ganoderma tsugae) produces beautiful shelf-like fruiting bodies with a shiny brownish-orange varnish and white margin. In the spring, when the fresh growth is still white with no hint of pores or lacquered color showing, many growers collect the marshmallow-y fruiting bodies to eat as fresh mushrooms.
Many growers will allow their hemlock reishi to grow into large waxy caps, at which point they become too bitter to consume. At this stage, they are ideal for drying and making into medicinal powders, extracts, tinctures, and teas. Hemlock reishi can be difficult to cultivate and is recommended for advanced and enthusiast growers who have had some success growing other mushrooms.
Recommended use:
- Hemlock reishi sawdust spawn is only recommended for use in .
- One bag of sawdust spawn will reliably inoculate 20 logs.
Hemlock Reishi log chart:
BEST WOOD SPECIES | Hemlock |
OTHER SUITABLE SPECIES | None recommended |
AVOID | All other woods |
Upon receiving your spawn:
Remove it from the shipping box as soon as possible. Then, unfold the top of the bag, making room for air space. It's also important to check and confirm that the filter patch is not obstructed. This will help the organism breathe and continue to thrive!