Manual: Pioppino Plug Spawn

What you need:

Pioppino plug spawn
The wax supplied
A fresh, untreated hardwood log or block
Drill with an 8-10 mm wood drill bit

Step 1: Preparing the log or wooden block

Use a healthy poplar or willow log, without signs of disease or other fungal growth. The wood has to be fresh, preferably within 2-4 weeks of felling. The log or wooden block should be about 50 cm long and have a diameter of 20-40 cm. You can also use a stump of a felled poplar or willow tree.

Step 2: Drilling the holes

Drill holes about 35-40 mm deep into the log or wooden block with an 8-10 mm wood drill bit. The holes should be about 15 cm apart in a diamond pattern. Cover the entire surface of the log or wooden block with holes.

Step 3: Inoculating and applying wax

Push the Pioppino plugs into the drilled holes until they are flush with the surface of the wood. Cover the plugs with pieces of pliable wax, or melt the wax supplied 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: Placing and care

Put the inoculated log or wooden block in a shady spot. Keep the wood moist by spraying it with water during very dry periods.

Step 5: Patience and observation

It takes 6 to 18 months before the Pioppino mycelium has spread completely through the wood and starts to produce fruiting bodies. During this time, check regularly for signs of growth.

Step 6: Harvesting

Harvest the Pioppino mushrooms while they are still young and firm, before the edges of the caps curl up and the spores are released. Use a sharp knife to cut the mushrooms off close to the wood.

Step 7: Enjoying

Pioppino mushrooms are delicious in soups, sauces, stir-fries or as a side dish. Keep the fresh mushrooms in the fridge and eat them within a week of harvesting.