Choosing the Best Mushroom to Grow: P. Florida, Milky, Pink Oyster
Introduction to Mushroom Cultivation
Cultivation of mushrooms is a field that has recently grown in the agricultural space. It is profitable, requires fewer resources compared to regular crops, is more profitable and can be produced for a wide range of uses, such as cooking, sustainability in biodegradable packaging, as in companies such as BETi and Mycoworks and construction materials as well.
Understanding which type of mushroom to grow is all based on the kind of function you want it to perform. In this blog, we shall be comparing three types of oyster mushroom: P. florida, Milky Mushroom and Pink Oyster Mushroom, to understand which mushroom is most appropriate to your needs as a mushroom cultivator!
Comparing Three Oyster Mushrooms
Let us take a look at these unique mushrooms on the basis of their structure, nutritional value, method of cultivation and uses:
White Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus Florida)
P. florida or White Oyster Mushroom is recognised as one of the most popular species for mushroom cultivation due to its high yield, mild flavor, nutritional versatility and adaptability. They are seen as adaptive as they can grow on various types of substrates such as wheat straw, sawdust, sugarcane bagasse, etc. They can grow in mild temperatures and require high humidity for proper growth, and are tolerant to many environmental conditions that could harm regular plants.
Due to its adaptability and versatility, it is a great option for beginner mushroom cultivators as it requires minimal and easily available resources for a good yield that can be used for a variety of uses.
Applications
Culinary and Nutritional Benefits
Pleurotus florida mushrooms are used in cooking a lot due to the nutritional benefits they hold. These mushrooms are high in fibre and protein as well as vitamins and minerals that make them optimal for increasing protein intake in vegetarian diets and even otherwise as a substitution for meat.
Agricultural Advantages
P. Florida is also easy to grow due to its high tolerance to a variety of substances, minimal resources to grow it and is preferred at both a home-grown scale as well as the commercial scale. This makes it a great option for beginner farmers who want to start growing mushrooms, due to its adaptable and easy-to-grow nature.
Milky Mushroom (Calocybe indica)
Calocybe indica, or Milky Mushrooms, is recognised as a common species of mushroom grown in India and other tropical regions. They can be found having a thick and fleshy fruiting body and commonly white. This species has the unique ability to grow in much higher temperatures in comparison to other mushroom species, making it a great option for mushroom cultivators staying in tropical areas.
These mushrooms grow at high temperatures and high humidity, and also have a longer shelf life compared to other mushrooms. These mushrooms too can also grow in different types of agricultural wastes like sugarcane baggasse, paddy straw etc. and also can be grown quite easily.
Applications
Culinary and Nutritional Benefits
These mushrooms are high in protein and carbohydrate levels, along with providing vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, making them a good option for affordable vegetarian meals. The ease in production also makes it a good and available option for consumers who are health-forward and are looking for well-balanced meals.
Agricultural Advantages
Milky mushrooms are a dependable crop for farmers since they can grow well in warmer climates and are at lower risk of infection.
Pink Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus djamor)
Pink Oyster Mushroom or Pleurotus djamor is a unique mushroom recognised by its pink color and fast-growing time. It can grow on a variety of agricultural wastes such as SMS, coffee grounds, etc. Its beautiful color, quick growing time, and high yield make it a good option for cultivators who are in the food industry, are they are sought after in luxury, gourmet foods. They are grown in warm and humid areas and do not require special substrate to grow. However, they also have a short shelf life that requires them to be used quickly. This mushroom is a great option for chefs and cultivators who want to grow versatile mushrooms quickly and easily.
Applications
Culinary and Nutritional Benefits
These mushrooms are packed with antioxidants as well as moderate amounts of protein, making them a great option for health-conscious consumers. These mushrooms are mainly recognised for their color and short shelf life, making them a good option for salads or stirfried food.
Agricultural Benefits
These mushrooms are easy and quick to grow and require minimal resources that make them ideal for beginner cultivators and urban growers. They are a dependable and aesthetically pleasing crop because of their adaptability to different surfaces and temperatures.
Conclusion
Whether it’s the versatile Pleurotus florida (White Oyster), the heat-loving Milky mushroom, or the colourful Pink Oyster, picking the correct mushroom to cultivate is just one aspect of the process, as you can see. The foundation you establish is where the true magic starts. Happy growing!
References
- Stamets, P. (2000). Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms. Ten Speed Press.
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – https://icar.org.in
- National Horticulture Board – Mushroom Cultivation Guide – http://nhb.gov.in
- Cultivation-of-Oyster-Mushroom-A-Review-Sarita-67.pdf
- Revolutionizing Mushroom processing: Innovative techniques and technologies – ScienceDirect