Question 1

What can I cook with all the mushroom varieties available?

Accepted Answer

For a list of recipes for each variety of mushroom, visit our "Recipes" page here.

Question 2

What are the differences between dry and fresh mushrooms?

Accepted Answer

Dried mushrooms are simply sliced and dehydrated mushrooms. Which type better suits your needs usually depends on what you are cooking. For example, you may want newly harvested cremini for your bruschetta, but dried mushrooms may hold up better when making a soup. Also, dried mushrooms have a shelf life up to one year!

Question 3

Are there bulk savings if I want to buy a large quantity of mushrooms?

Accepted Answer

Yes! If you are interested in a large order please send us an email at support@westchesterfarms.us to discuss bulk discounts.

Question 4

My kit looks like it is covered in white mold…is this normal?

Accepted Answer

Yes! It’s not mold, though, it’s mycelium, which is essentially the root structure of the mushroom.

Question 5

My kit just arrived and it looks like mushrooms are already growing…is this okay?

Accepted Answer

It’s totally fine and not uncommon with some of the faster growing varieties. Continue to follow the instructions as usual.

Question 6

Is it okay if I see some brown specks amidst the white mycelium inside my grow kit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it’s probably the mushroom’s food poking through. The mycelium grows on a bed of sawdust.

Question 7

What temperature is best for my grow kit?

Accepted Answer

The mushrooms are fairly hardy so most indoor conditions are fine. They enjoy temperatures of 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit when possible.

Question 8

Do my mushrooms need sunlight?

Accepted Answer

Bright, indirect light is best for most mushrooms. Next to window and out of the sun is a great spot. Cremini, portabella, and button mushrooms need hardly any light at all.

Question 9

How do I know if I’m watering my kit enough?

Accepted Answer

Spritzing with the sprayer gives the mushrooms a damp and humid environment. You may need to adjust based on your climate, but we have found that approximately 8-10 spritzes 2-3 times a day dampens the block  enough to keep it from drying out without drenching the mushrooms. Remember, the mushrooms have all the water they need to grow already. The spritzing is just to keep them from drying out.

Question 10

Can I eat my mushrooms raw?

Accepted Answer

This is not recommended and we advise you always cook mushrooms before eating them. Besides, raw mushrooms are virtually indigestible so eating them raw serves no nutritional value. (Their cell walls are made up of chitin so your body can't break them down the same way it breaks down cellulose in plants.)

Question 11

I’m not sure my kit is growing correctly…what should I do?

Accepted Answer

No problem! If you’re having trouble getting growing reach out to us at support@westchesterfarms.us and we can help troubleshoot.

Frequently asked questions