Black Pearl King - Plugs

Supplies:

Black Pearl King plugs (Pleurotus Ostreatus)
Supplied wax
A fresh, untreated hardwood trunk or block (e.g. oak, beech, birch or ash)
Drill with an 8-10 mm wood drill bit

Step 1: Preparing the log or log

Use a healthy hardwood trunk, such as poplar, beech, or maple, with no signs of disease or other fungal growth. The wood must be fresh, preferably within 2-4 weeks after cutting. The trunk or log should be approximately 50-100 cm long and have a diameter of 20-40 cm. You can also use a stump from a cut deciduous tree.

Step 2: Drilling holes

Drill holes approximately 35-40 mm deep into the trunk or log with an 8-10 mm wood drill. The holes should be spaced about 6 inches apart in a diamond pattern. Make sure you cover the entire surface of the log or log with holes.

Step 3: Inoculate and apply wax

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

Step 4: Placement and care

Place the inoculated trunk or log in a shady area. 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 for the Black Pearl King mycelium to spread completely through the wood and start producing fruiting bodies. This process can take 6 to 18 months depending on the circumstances.

Step 6: Harvesting

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

Step 7: Enjoy

Black Pearl King have a subtle, smooth taste and a meaty texture. They are versatile and can be used in stir-fries, soups, sauces, and even on pizza. First fry them briefly over high heat to enhance their flavor.