Poplar clay hat - Pioppino - Plugs

Supplies:

Poplar clay hat plugs
Supplied wax
A fresh, untreated hardwood trunk or log
Drill with an 8-10 mm wood drill bit

Step 1: Preparing the log or log

Use a healthy poplar or willow trunk, 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 cm long and have a diameter of 20-40 cm. You can also use a stump from a cut poplar or willow 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. Cover the entire surface of the log or log with holes.

Step 3: Inoculate and apply wax

Push the Poplar Clay 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. Keep the wood moist by spraying it with water during very dry periods.

Step 5: Patience and observation

It takes 6 to 18 months for the Poplar Loam Cap mycelium to spread completely through the wood and start producing fruiting bodies. During this time, check regularly for signs of growth.

Step 6: Harvesting

Harvest the Poplar Loam Cap mushrooms when they are still young and firm, before the cap edges curl and the spores are released. Use a sharp knife to cut the mushrooms close to the wood.

Step 7: Enjoy

Poplar clay cap mushrooms are delicious in soups, sauces, stir-fries or as a side dish. Store the fresh mushrooms in the refrigerator and consume them within a week of harvesting.