The yellow or golden oyster mushroom (Pleurotus citrinopileatus) is native to eastern Russia, northern China and Japan. It grows in clusters producing boldly coloured yellow caps with a delicate, velvety texture.
You’re unlikely to find these golden delights in a supermarket near you due to their short shelf life and delicate structure.
What Do Yellow Oyster Mushrooms Taste Like?
Yellow oyster mushrooms are sweet and nutty when well cooked. Under cooked mushrooms may taste a little bitter. Braised golden oyster mushrooms and onions with sweet sherry, white pepper and nutmeg have been a mouthwatering addition to Sunday brunch.
What Substrate Does Yellow Oyster Grow On?
Yellow oyster mushrooms will grow on a wide range of materials including sugar cane mulch, straw, hardwood, paper and coffee grounds.
For beginners we recommend starting with straw or chopped sugar cane mulch. Supplementation can be added in the form of coffee grounds or bran but will increase the chances of contamination.
Yellow oyster mushrooms are considered to be a side-fruiting mushroom compared to the king oyster or button mushroom which are top-fruiting mushrooms.
Opening A Yellow Oyster Grow Kit
In order to grow, yellow oyster mushroom grow kits will need to be opened exposing the fully colonised substrate to fresh air and humidity.
Pale yellow clusters of coral-like primordia will form on the surface of the substrate. These clusters will develop into mushrooms.
For beginners, we recommend allowing the kit to begin forming a pin-set (primordia) before opening the bag. The high levels of the humidity will encourage the formation of large clusters of primordia which can be released from the bag by making a cut around the pin-set.
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Yellow Oyster Mycelium Appearance
Yellow oyster mushroom mycelium is incredibly vigorous. Initially it is finer in appearance and structure than white oyster.
The mature spawn will often begin to form primordia within days of colonisation, this is indicative of it preparing to fruit. The maturing mycelium will produce yellow liquid metabolites which are a completely normal byproduct.
Any primordia which has formed prematurely, or in-vitro can be removed prior to using the spawn as usual.
Learn How To Make Grain Spawn
Experienced mushroom cultivators will often produce their own grain spawn to reduce the cost of growing mushrooms. Grain spawn can be produced in small batches without the need for purchasing expensive equipment. Learn more about making grain spawn in our guide.
Using A Humidifier
Humidity can be managed through a diligent misting and fanning regime, however the introduction of a humidifier and humidity controller can help automate the process and ensure consistency.
Adding a 6L humidifier and controller to a greenhouse with the addition of a USB fan is a quick and easy way to make a low cost fruiting chamber that delivers excellent results.
Making A Fruiting Chamber
Mushrooms require humidity to grow. We recommend using a mini-greenhouse. Spraying the inside walls of the greenhouse will help raise humidity. A cheap humidifier can used to automate the process.
It’s important to ensure that the grow kit has fresh air exchange. Mushrooms produce carbon dioxide and will grow long and leggy if they require more oxygen.
Check the product pages for species specific requirements.
Alternatively you can build a Shotgun Fruiting Chamber (SGFC) from a few common items found easily in your local hardware store.
- Humidifier with built-in humidity controller
- 4 L capacity for long all day operation
- Easy plug & play operation straight from the box
- Replaceable humidity probes
- Fill from the top for increased convenience
- Low 35db operation.
Yellow Oyster Spawn Run
Yellow oyster mushrooms will colonise both grain spawn and substrates very quickly. Full colonisation can often expected within 10 – 14 days. Store above room temperature at approximately 23 degrees Celsius for optimum colonisation speeds.
Yellow Oyster Pinning Conditions
Keep at temperatures between 18 & 26 degrees Celsius to trigger pinning. It’s important to maintain humidity over 85% to encourage primordia.
Primordia will often form in the high humidity environment within the sealed grow bag. Once formed it is necessary to open the bag to allow for fresh air exchange which will promote the healthy growth of mushroom fruiting bodies.
Yellow Oyster Fruiting Conditions
Fruit yellow oyster mushrooms between 20 – 30 degrees Celsius. However they will tolerate temperatures outside this range. Maintain humidity over 85% for best results. Harvest mushrooms before caps turn upwards and release spores.
