Reishi
Ganoderma lucidum
A firm, woody functional mushroom grown for teas and extracts rather than for eating. Its shape shifts with carbon dioxide levels.
Growing requirements at a glance
- Scientific name
- Ganoderma lucidum
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Colonisation temp
- 24 to 27°C
- Fruiting temp
- 21 to 27°C
- Substrate
- Supplemented hardwood sawdust
- Uses
- Tea and extracts
Overview
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a woody bracket mushroom with a long history in traditional practice. It is grown for its firm fruits, which are dried and used in teas and extracts rather than eaten fresh.
Growing conditions
Colonise supplemented hardwood sawdust at 24 to 27°C, then fruit warm at about 21 to 27°C with high humidity. High carbon dioxide encourages tall antler forms, while more fresh air produces the classic flat, kidney-shaped conk. It is slow but forgiving.
Uses
Reishi is too bitter and woody to eat, so it is simmered into tea or made into a dual extract of hot water and alcohol. It is used traditionally as a tonic for general wellbeing, and modern research into its compounds continues. Treat it as a functional food, not a medicine.
Grower tips
Decide early whether you want antlers or conks and set your fresh air accordingly. Dry the fruits fully before storing.
