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Gourmet & Functional Mushroom Liquid Cultures
Gourmet and functional mushroom liquid cultures are syringes of living mycelium from edible and specialty species. At the moment this category holds one: our oyster mushroom liquid culture, a 20 ml syringe of Pleurotus ostreatus mycelium in a sterile nutrient solution. It comes with a needle and disinfectant wipes and is sold for microscopy, educational and research purposes. Oyster mushroom is one of the most widely cultivated edible mushrooms in the world.
✓ In stock
What is Pleurotus ostreatus?
Pleurotus ostreatus is the scientific name of the oyster mushroom, a familiar sight on supermarket shelves and in kitchens across Europe. It is one of the most widely cultivated edible mushrooms in the world and is known for fast, vigorous mycelium. It belongs to a different genus from the Psilocybe cultures elsewhere in our range: it is not a magic mushroom and has nothing to do with truffles.
An oyster mushroom liquid culture holds that species at its mycelial stage, as fine strands suspended in a clear nutrient solution. Because the culture comes from one selected line, every syringe carries the same genetics.
Product details at a glance
| Specification | Oyster mushroom liquid culture |
|---|---|
| Species | Pleurotus ostreatus |
| Contents | 20 ml living mycelium in sterile nutrient solution |
| Included | Sterile needle and disinfectant wipes |
| Storage | Fridge, 2–8 °C, not frozen, away from light |
| Shelf life | Up to 2–3 months refrigerated |
| Intended use | Microscopy, education and research |
Gourmet culture or Psilocybe culture?
If you are deciding between this culture and the rest of our liquid cultures, the difference is the species, not the format. The syringe, volume and storage rules are the same. What changes is the fungus inside. Psilocybe cultures are split into magic mushroom liquid cultures and magic truffle liquid cultures; the oyster culture is the edible option and the only gourmet species we currently keep. For an overview of all three groups, see liquid culture syringes.
What about functional mushrooms?
The category name leaves room for functional species, but right now there is no Lion's Mane, Reishi or Turkey Tail culture in stock. If it is those species you are interested in, we sell Lion's Mane, Reishi and Chaga as mushroom tinctures. Those are finished products rather than cultures, and they are described by tradition and use, not by health claims.
Storage and handling
Oyster mycelium is lively, but a liquid culture is still a living product with a limited life. Put it in the fridge at 2–8 °C on arrival, keep it out of the light and do not freeze it. Shelf life is up to 2–3 months, and fresher culture is more active. Keep the pack closed until you need it. Orders leave on working days within 24 hours; see the shipping overview for delivery times per country.
Frequently asked questions
What is an oyster mushroom liquid culture?
It is a syringe of living Pleurotus ostreatus mycelium in a sterile nutrient solution. Ours contains 20 ml and comes with a sterile needle and disinfectant wipes.
Is the oyster mushroom a magic mushroom?
No. The oyster mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus, is an edible gourmet species from a different genus than Psilocybe. It is one of the most widely cultivated edible mushrooms in the world.
How long does an oyster mushroom liquid culture last?
Up to 2–3 months in the fridge at 2–8 °C. Do not freeze it and keep it away from light and heat. The fresher the culture, the more active the mycelium.
Do you sell Lion's Mane or Reishi liquid culture?
Not at the moment. The only gourmet culture we currently stock is oyster mushroom. Lion's Mane and Reishi are available as tinctures in our functional mushroom range.
What is included with the oyster mushroom culture?
A 20 ml syringe of liquid culture, a sterile needle and disinfectant wipes. The parcel is shipped in discreet packaging.
