Brazilian mushrooms, also known as *Agaricus blazei*, are not only delicious but also highly nutritious. These mushrooms have gained popularity worldwide due to their flavor that closely resembles the rare and prized Matsutake mushroom. They are considered a premium variety in many countries and are valued for both their taste and health benefits. One of the most notable properties of Brazilian mushrooms is their high medicinal value, particularly due to the presence of polysaccharides that have shown potential in supporting immune function and even exhibiting anti-tumor effects. Among cultivated edible fungi, they are among the most produced, yet their price remains relatively high—often 5 to 10 times more expensive than common varieties like oyster mushrooms. This makes them an attractive option for growers and consumers alike.
For those interested in cultivating these mushrooms, here are some key techniques:
**1. Optimal Growing Season**
Brazilian mushrooms can be cultivated during spring and autumn. For spring planting, it's best to start between early March and mid-May. Autumn cultivation should take place from September to mid-November. Choosing the right time ensures optimal growth conditions.
**2. Substrate Formulations**
There are several effective substrate formulas you can use:
- **Formula 1**: 375 kg straw + 10 kg rice bran + 15 kg chicken manure + 8 kg lime + 10 kg ammonium sulfate + 5 kg superphosphate
- **Formula 2**: 360 kg corn stalks + 360 kg cottonseed hulls + 115 kg wheat straw + 150 kg dry chicken manure + 10 kg calcium carbonate + 5 kg ammonium sulfate
- **Formula 3**: 750 kg thatch + 130 kg cottonseed husk + 100 kg dry chicken manure + 5 kg compound fertilizer + 15 kg quicklime
These combinations provide the necessary nutrients and structure for healthy mushroom growth.
**3. Preparing the Substrate**
Before using the materials, soak them in water for 2–3 hours. When building the pile, layer the straw first, then sprinkle lime powder, followed by chicken manure and other ingredients. Stack the layers to form a pile about 80–90 cm wide, 120–150 cm long, and 100 cm tall, ensuring the moisture content is around 65%. Monitor the temperature and turn the pile every few days once it reaches 65°C. Continue turning at intervals of 5, 4, 3, and 2 days until the Material turns dark brown and has no sour or foul smell.
**4. Inoculation**
There are two main methods: hole sowing and spreading. For hole sowing, dig small holes every 20–25 cm, place the spores inside, and cover with a thin layer of substrate. For spreading, crush the spores and evenly distribute them on the surface, then gently press the material down. Use approximately 3–4 bottles per square meter. After planting, ensure proper ventilation and monitor the mycelium development.
**5. Fruiting Management**
From sowing to the first harvest, it usually takes 20–25 days. Each flush of mushrooms typically appears within 3–5 days, and up to two flushes can be harvested within 20 days. Throughout the growing season, you can expect 3–4 flushes, with a yield efficiency of around 40%.
During fruiting, temperature and humidity control are crucial. If the temperature drops below ideal levels, cover the bed with plastic to retain heat. If it rises above 28°C, increase ventilation to cool down. Watering should begin after 25 days, spraying 2–3 times daily. Avoid heavy watering when the caps are large, and always ventilate for 1–2 hours after watering. It’s best to spray in the morning or evening to prevent stress on the mushrooms.
**6. Harvesting**
Harvest the mushrooms when the cap is still closed, with a light brown color, fibrous scales, and a diameter between 4–10 cm. The stem length should be 6–14 cm. After each harvest, replenish the soil, remove any weeds, and allow the bed to rest for 1–2 days before resuming watering and covering the bed for the next flush.