Ember Shiitake — Shiitake Mushroom Spawn
Lentinula edodes
Rich umami depth with warm brown tones. Chef favorite, restaurant staple. Ember Shiitake delivers the deep, complex flavor profile that has made shiitake the second most cultivated mushroom in the world — and one of the most consistently profitable for Canadian commercial growers.
Growing Specifications
| Colonization Time | 21–30 days |
| Colonization Temperature | 21–27°C |
| Fruiting Temperature | 12–18°C (cold shock initiates fruiting) |
| Relative Humidity | 80–90% |
| Preferred Substrate | Supplemented hardwood sawdust or hardwood logs (outdoor) |
| Expected Yield (1st flush) | 150–250g per 2.3kg block |
| Difficulty Level | Intermediate |
Commercial Value
Shiitake commands 0–16 per pound at retail and is the second most popular gourmet mushroom in Canada after oyster. Restaurants, Asian grocery stores, and health food retailers all maintain steady demand year-round. The dried shiitake market adds another revenue stream with significantly extended shelf life. Canadian-grown shiitake carries a premium over imported product, giving local growers a competitive edge.
Why Growers Choose Ember Shiitake
- Proven commercial strain with reliable yields across multiple flushes
- Dual production options: indoor sawdust blocks for year-round harvest, or outdoor log cultivation for seasonal operations
- Strong brand recognition — shiitake is one of the few gourmet mushrooms consumers already know by name
- Dried product commands premium pricing and stores for months, reducing waste
Available Formats
- Grain Spawn — Ready-to-use rye and millet spawn for direct inoculation
- Liquid Culture — Clean, vigorous cultures for labs and large-scale inoculation
- Culture Slant — Long-term genetic storage for maintaining your strain library
Growing Tips
Shiitake blocks benefit from a browning period after full colonization — allow the block surface to form a dark brown skin before initiating fruiting. A cold shock of 10–12°C for 12–24 hours triggers pinning reliably. In Canadian facilities, natural autumn and spring temperature swings can be leveraged to reduce energy costs. For outdoor log cultivation, inoculate freshly cut hardwood logs in spring and expect first fruiting the following autumn.
Ready to Grow Shiitake?
Request a quote for Ember Shiitake spawn. We produce to order in our Canadian facility and ship fast across the country. Lead time: 15–20 business days.