*Your blocks are meant to be opened immediately for best results. Ready-to-fruit blocks will begin producing mushrooms quickly after arrival at room temperature, but they can be refrigerated up to 1 month prior to opening.

Black Pearl Oyster mushrooms is a variety of oyster that combines the incredible productivity and reliability of the typical oyster mushrooms (P. ostreatus) with the prestigious culinary from of the King Oyster (P. eryngii).

Fruiting Black Pearl Oyster Mushroom Blocks

1) Select a growing space
The growing area should support conditions ideal for mushroom growing. There are several factors: 1) Have indirect sun or supplemental lighting (at least 10-12 hours/ day). 2) Temperature control ideally kept in the low 60's (°F). 3) Humidity kept between 85-95%. 4) Fresh air exchange. Air should not feel stagnant.

Shelving or other surfaces are ideal for organizing blocks, and the space should be kept clean. Controlling all of these factors will lead to increased mushroom growing success.

2) Setting up your Black Pearl Oyster blocks
Black Pearl oyster msuhrooms are typically fruited from the top surface of the block. To open, use scissors to cut off the top of the bag above the filter patch, leaving at least 6" of the sides intact. The remaining collar formed by the bag will form a protective microclimate are the top of the block to stimulate and support pinning. 

3) Maintaining and monitoring
Mushroom pins will begin developing on the top surface of the block 7-12 days after opening. Continue to provide light, humidity, and fesh air for the mushrooms to develop properly. The mushrooms will be long stemmed under low light or high carbon dioxide conditions. If the humidity if lower than recommended, mist the blocks daily with fresh water to keep the mushrooms succulent. If conditions are too dry, they will stop growing and abort. Clear plastic can be used to form tents over the blocks to create a humidity chamber, but be sure to lift up the plastic occasionally to introduce sufficient air exchange. 

4) Mushroom harvest and storage
Black Pearl Oyster mushrooms are fully developed and ready for harvest when the cap is almost fully open and flat with only the edges remaining curled down. If left to overmature, they will quickly releast spores which show as a white powdery dust. Mushroom quality is better if they are picked before this happens.

Mushrooms need to be stored in a refrigerator until consumed or sold. A breathable container is ideal for reducing condensation and excessive wetness that will diminish the shelf life. 

5) Second and subsequent crops
Due to the mass of the mushrooms most nutrition within the block is spent after the first fruiting. This variety is considered a "one-and-done" fruiter. However, if you would like to attempt a experimental second fruiting, you can bury the blocks outside in woodchips and it may yield a second, smaller crop.

AT A GLANCE
Difficulty: Easy.
Time to fruiting: 10-18 days
Ideal fruiting conditions: 60-68°F, 85-95% humidity.
Mushroom appearance: Light gray cap, thick white stem, white decurrent gills
Flavor and texture: Tender with a mild, seafood-like flavor