Which Mushrooms Should I Grow? A Beginner's Guide to Mushroom Cultivation

Mushroom cultivation is a rewarding process that offers a range of health benefits and flavours to your kitchen. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced grower, choosing the right mushrooms to grow is key to a successful harvest. In this guide, we'll dive into 14 popular types of mushrooms, exploring their benefits, taste, the best substrate to grow them on, and the level of difficulty involved.

1. Red Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Benefits: Red Reishi mushrooms are renowned for their immune-boosting properties and ability to reduce inflammation. They’re also popular for promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
Taste: These mushrooms have a bitter, earthy taste, making them more suitable for teas or supplements rather than culinary use.
Best Substrate: Hardwood sawdust works best for growing Reishi.
Difficulty: Medium - Reishi mushrooms are slow growers but highly rewarding, especially for those looking to explore the medicinal side of fungi.

2. Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Benefits: Known for enhancing cognitive function and supporting nerve regeneration, Lion’s Mane is a powerful mushroom for mental health.
Taste: Its flavor is mild, with a texture often compared to crab or lobster, making it a favorite in gourmet dishes.
Best Substrate: Hardwood sawdust is ideal for cultivating Lion’s Mane.
Difficulty: Easy - Foraging for Lion’s Mane in the wild is thrilling, but growing it yourself is even more satisfying, especially when you’re after its brain-boosting benefits.

3. Cordyceps Militaris

Benefits: Cordyceps Militaris is often used for enhancing energy and athletic performance, making it popular in the health and wellness community.
Taste: Sweet and earthy, it can be brewed in teas or added to smoothies.
Best Substrate: It grows well on rice or grains.
Difficulty: Medium - While not the easiest mushroom to grow, Cordyceps is worth the effort for those looking to improve stamina and endurance.

4. Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)

Benefits: Rich in antioxidants and beneficial for immune health, oyster mushrooms are versatile and nutrient-dense.
Taste: They have a mild, slightly seafood-like flavor, making them great in stir-fries, soups, or grilled dishes.
Best Substrate: They thrive on straw or sawdust, making them one of the easiest mushrooms to grow.
Difficulty: Easy - Oyster mushrooms are ideal for beginners due to their fast growth rate and minimal care requirements.

5. King Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii)

Benefits: King Oysters are high in protein and promote heart health due to their antioxidant properties.
Taste: With a rich, meaty texture, they’re perfect for grilling or roasting.
Best Substrate: They grow well on straw and sawdust.
Difficulty: Medium - King Oysters offer a unique culinary experience, and while they require more attention than regular oysters, they’re still relatively easy to cultivate.

6. Brown Shimeji (Hypsizygus tessellatus)

Benefits: Brown Shimeji mushrooms support digestion and are packed with antioxidants.
Taste: Their nutty and crunchy flavor makes them popular in stir-fries and soups.
Best Substrate: Hardwood sawdust is the best substrate for this variety.
Difficulty: Medium - For those looking for an exotic mushroom with a delicate flavor, Brown Shimeji is a great option.

7. Golden Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus citrinopileatus)

Benefits: Golden Oysters are known for their antioxidant properties and heart health benefits.
Taste: These mushrooms have a sweet, nutty flavor.
Best Substrate: They thrive on straw or sawdust.
Difficulty: Easy - Their bright color and rapid growth make Golden Oysters a popular choice for beginner mushroom growers.

8. Pink Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus djamor)

Benefits: Pink Oysters are antimicrobial and support gut health.
Taste: Their peppery and robust flavor adds a kick to any dish.
Best Substrate: Like other oysters, they grow well on straw or sawdust.
Difficulty: Easy - Pink Oysters are perfect for those wanting a visually striking and easy-to-grow mushroom with a unique taste.

9. Black Pearl King Oyster (Pleurotus sp.)

Benefits: Rich in antioxidants and good for heart health, this variety combines the best of King Oyster and Black Oyster mushrooms.
Taste: Its rich, meaty texture makes it great for grilling or using as a meat substitute.
Best Substrate: Sawdust is best for Black Pearl Kings.
Difficulty: Medium - For an exotic and savory addition to your garden, Black Pearl King Oysters are a satisfying challenge for intermediate growers.

10. Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes)

Benefits: Shiitake mushrooms boost the immune system and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Taste: Smoky and earthy, Shiitake mushrooms are a culinary staple.
Best Substrate: Hardwood sawdust or logs.
Difficulty: Medium - Shiitake mushrooms are among the most popular to grow at home, thanks to their rich flavor and numerous health benefits.

11. Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus)

Benefits: High in protein and antioxidants, these mushrooms are often used as a meat substitute.
Taste: Their taste is often described as chicken-like, mild but savory.
Best Substrate: Hardwood logs are ideal for Chicken of the Woods.
Difficulty: Medium - This wild-looking mushroom is perfect for those who want a hearty, protein-rich fungi with a satisfying flavor.

12. Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

Benefits: Maitake is an immune booster, rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
Taste: Earthy with a slightly peppery flavor, it’s great in soups or roasted.
Best Substrate: Hardwood sawdust works best.
Difficulty: Medium - Often called the “Dancing Mushroom,” Maitake is rewarding to grow and packed with nutrients.

13. Enoki Mushroom (Flammulina velutipes)

Benefits: Enoki mushrooms are great for immune support and are high in fiber.
Taste: Crisp, mild, and delicate, they’re perfect for salads and soups.
Best Substrate: Hardwood sawdust is the preferred medium.
Difficulty: Medium - Their unique appearance and versatility in dishes make Enoki a favorite among home growers.

14. Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)

Benefits: Turkey Tail mushrooms are highly valued for immune support and gut health.
Taste: Mild, with an earthy flavor, often used in teas or supplements.
Best Substrate: Hardwood sawdust.
Difficulty: Medium - While not typically grown for culinary use, Turkey Tail is a powerhouse for boosting immunity and gut health.

When deciding which mushrooms to grow, consider your goals - whether it’s culinary exploration, health benefits, or a mix of both. Start with easier varieties like oyster mushrooms if you’re a beginner, and experiment with more challenging varieties like Lion’s Mane or Reishi as you gain experience. Each mushroom offers a unique journey, both in cultivation and in the benefits they bring to your kitchen and wellness routine.

If you're ready to start growing, check out our selection of high-quality liquid cultures here to get started!