Growing a lion’s mane mushroom from a tiny spot of mycelium into a full, fluffy mushroom is a super satisfying process. But knowing when to harvest can make all the difference in flavour, texture, and health benefits. Pick too soon, and you might miss out on some medicinal properties. Wait too long, and the texture and taste may not be as enjoyable. Spotting the right moment isn’t complicated, but it does help to know what to look for so you can enjoy your delicious mushrooms at their very best. Let's get into it.
1. The growth stages of lion’s mane mushrooms
Lion’s mane mushrooms, with their unique, shaggy appearance, go through several clear stages as they grow. If you’re using a grow kit or a prepared substrate, you’ll see them change from tiny specks to full-grown, gourmet mushrooms. Here’s what to watch for along the way:
- Mycelium Expansion: This white, root-like structure spreads throughout the substrate, building a solid base.
- Pinning: Small knobs or “pins” start to appear, a sign that the mushroom is beginning to form its fruiting body.
- Mature Fruiting Body: The mushroom now takes on its iconic look with long, dangling “teeth” or spines.
Getting familiar with each growth stage will help you know what to expect and spot that perfect harvest window.
2. Watching for the mushroom teeth
The teeth are the signature feature of a lion’s mane mushroom, and they’re a great way to gauge when it’s ready. When the mushroom is young, these spines are short and barely noticeable. As it matures, they start to lengthen and become more pronounced, giving it that iconic mane-like look.
The sweet spot for harvesting is when the teeth measure around ¼ to ½ inch. At this point, the mushroom has the perfect flavour and texture for cooking. If the teeth grow longer, the mushroom will keep maturing, but you may notice a slightly bitter taste, and the texture might start to soften.
3. Checking the mushroom’s texture
Texture is another key sign that your lion’s mane mushroom is ready. When you press it gently, a ready-to-harvest mushroom should feel soft yet firm, similar to squeezing a slightly damp sponge. If it feels overly soft or squishy, it’s likely past its prime.
4. Timing is everything
Once your lion’s mane mushroom hits the fruiting stage, it can mature fast – sometimes within just 12 to 24 hours. With this quick growth, it’s best to check on it daily, especially as the teeth start to lengthen. Keep in mind, timing may vary depending on factors like humidity levels and ambient light. A humid environment of around 85-90% and indirect light provides the best conditions for mushroom growth. If everything’s in place, your mushroom may grow even faster, so those daily checks will help you catch it at the perfect time.
5. Watch out for colour changes
The colour of your lion’s mane mushroom can tell you a lot about its readiness. A healthy, mature mushroom is typically bright white, sometimes with a hint of pink. If it starts to turn yellow or brown, it’s either overripe or drying out. While a slight colour change doesn’t make it inedible, harvesting when it’s as white as possible will bring you the freshest flavour and best texture.
6. Signs of an overripe mushroom
It might be tempting to let your mane mushroom sit on the substrate a bit longer, but waiting too long can let it overripen. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Browning or yellowing on the edges.
- Soft, squishy texture when lightly pressed.
- Bitterness when tasted fresh or cooked.
An overripe mushroom is still fine to eat, but the texture might be tougher, and the taste a bit more bitter. If it’s only slightly past its peak, you can still use it – dehydrate it, or add it to a sauce where texture matters less.
Extra tips from Urban Farm-It
Here are some extra tips from our mushroom experts to take your lion’s mane harvest to the next level!
Humidity and moisture control
Lion’s mane mushrooms love humidity, and keeping the moisture level just right is key to a good harvest. Use a misting bottle to lightly spray around the mushroom with clean water, creating the humid environment it needs to grow. But go easy on the misting – too much can throw off the moisture level, and lead to sogginess, and increase the risk of contamination. With a little balance, you’ll keep your mushroom in top shape for picking.
Get ready with the right tools
When your lion's mane mushroom is ready to harvest, it's all about using a gentle touch. A gentle hand is key here, and don’t cut the mushroom. Instead, gently grab and twist the lion’s mane, pulling it free of the substrate. Using this method will help to keep the stem intact and reduce the risk of mould and rot – especially important if you’re hoping for a second flush!
Storage tips for freshness
If you’re not cooking your lion's mane mushroom right away, store it in the fridge for up to a week. Place it in a paper bag to allow airflow; plastic can trap excess moisture, which may lead to sogginess. For longer storage, consider dehydrating it – this way, you can even grind it into a powder to add to teas or dishes as a cooking supplement.
Enjoying the health benefits
Lion’s mane is becoming more and more popular for its potential health benefits, like supporting our brain health. This medicinal mushroom is packed with compounds that can promote cognitive function and stimulate nerve growth. Whether you want to improve your mental clarity or support your memory, lion's mane mushrooms can help with it all!
Start growing fresh lion's mane at home with Urban Farm-It!
Harvesting lion’s mane mushrooms is all about timing, and once you know the signs – like tooth length, firmness, and that bright white colour – you’re set for success. With just a bit of daily attention and the right growing conditions, you’ll soon be catching your mushrooms at their peak for the best flavour and texture.
Ready to give it a go? Our lion’s mane grow kits make it simple, with everything you need to grow fresh, tasty mushrooms at home – from the substrate to the mushroom spawn! We'll even deliver it for free. Gifting a kit instead? Just order the kit with a spawn voucher so they can start growing whenever they’re ready – no hassle, just delicious mushrooms on demand. Enjoy fresh, gourmet mushrooms right from your kitchen – order yours today!