Manual: Black Pearl King Plug Spawn

What you need:

Black Pearl King plug spawn (Pleurotus Ostreatus)
Supplied wax
A fresh, untreated hardwood log or block (for example oak, beech, birch or ash)
Drill with an 8-10 mm wood bit

Step 1: Preparing the log or the wood block

Use a healthy hardwood log, such as poplar, beech or maple, without signs of disease or other fungal growth. The wood must be fresh, preferably within 2-4 weeks after felling. The log or the wood block should be about 50-100 cm long and have a diameter of 20-40 cm. You can also use a stump of a felled hardwood tree.

Step 2: Drilling holes

Drill holes about 35-40 mm deep into the log or the wood block with an 8-10 mm wood bit. The holes should be about 15 cm apart in a diamond pattern. Make sure you cover the whole surface of the log or the wood block with holes.

Step 3: Inoculating and applying wax

Push the Black Pearl King plugs into the drilled holes until they are flush with the surface of the wood. Cover the plugs with pieces of mouldable wax or melt the supplied wax in a bain-marie or in a wax melter. Use a brush to apply the melted wax carefully over the plugs and the drilled holes.

Step 4: Placement and care

Place the inoculated log or the wood block in a shady environment. It is important to keep the wood moist, so spray the logs with water during very dry periods.

Step 5: Patience and observation

It takes several months before the Black Pearl King mycelium has spread completely through the wood and starts to produce fruiting bodies. This process can take 6 to 18 months, depending on the conditions.

Step 6: Harvesting

Harvest the mushrooms when the cap edges are still turned slightly downwards and the mushrooms feel firm. Use a sharp knife or a pair of scissors to cut the mushrooms off close to the wood.

Step 7: Enjoy

Black Pearl King have a subtle, mild flavour and a meaty texture. They are versatile and can be used in stir-fries, soups, sauces and even on pizza. Fry them briefly over high heat first to bring out their flavour.