Lab Summary:  11/14/12  Set up of mushroom kits from Fungi Perfecti

Shitake (Lenitnula edodes) and Pearl Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus)

Humidity tent  for pearl oyster mushroom kit
continuous misting for 2-3 weeks

Addition of spring water for soaking (2-4hours)
for the shitake mushroom kit.  Create a humidity tent
and continue misting for 2-3 weeks

Oyster mushroom growth right out of the kit (Tasty!!! )

Shitake mushroom growth one week later

Recipe for oyster mushrooms
Fingerling Potatoes with Oyster Mushrooms
7 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 pounds small yellow fingerling potatoes, unpeeled, halved lengthwise
4 tablespoons minced shallots(green onions)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 pound oyster mushrooms torn in 1 inch strips
1 tablespoon fresh parsley

Postion rack in oven in top third and another rack in the bottom third, preheat to 450 degrees.  Brush 2 baking dishes with olive oil.  Place potatoes in single layer in one dish, drizzle with 3 tablespoons olive oil, toss to coat, sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Place potatoes on top rack of oven and roast for 10 minutes.  Sprinkle shallots and garlic.  Transfer potatoes to bottom rack of oven and continue to roast until tender and golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes longer.  Meanwhile toss mushrooms with olive oil, spread single layer, sprinkle with salt and pepper, roast on top rack of oven until golden brown. stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes.  Combine mushrooms and potatoes, add parsley mix and serve.   

Rack Beer

Specific gravity was 1.014 at the 1st rack
The specific gravity prior to fermentation was 1.052
Therefore, after fermentation the ABW was 3.6%
and 4.59% ABV (excellent results!!)

Discussed fungal meningitis outbreak.  "Fungal meningitis pathogen discovers new appetite for human brains"  Jennifer Frazer, Scientific American 13 November 2012