Manual: Wood Ear Plug Spawn

What you need:

• Wood ear plug spawn
• The beeswax 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

Make sure you have a healthy hardwood log, such as oak, beech or poplar, 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 50-100 cm long and have a diameter of 10-40 cm. A stump of a felled hardwood tree can be used as well.

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

Place the wood ear plugs in the drilled holes until they are flush with the surface of the wood. Once you have pushed them into the wood, cover the plugs with pieces of pliable beeswax..

Step 4: Placing and care

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

Step 5: Patience and observation

It takes a few months before the wood ear 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 wood ear mushrooms when they are firm but still flexible. Cut the mushrooms off close to the base of the stem with a sharp knife.

Step 7: Enjoying

Wood ear has a subtle flavour and a distinctive texture that makes it suitable for adding to soups, stir-fries and salads. Try using them dried and rehydrated for extra deep umami flavour in your dishes.