A few weeks ago I was stumbling around the internet looking for something--I think it was local eggs--and came across these very interesting Shiitake Mushroom Logs.
Shiitake mushrooms are very tasty, full of vitamins and protein and are also very expensive in the grocery store. So these logs are an affordable and fun way to have fresh mushrooms.
It is just fascinating to watch this plain log sprout tiny mushrooms that grow so fast. The mushroom pictured in the first photo was about 2.25" in diameter yesterday and this morning it is 3.5"! I have five 2"-3" mushrooms in just one week.
Two friends also got logs so there have been lots of log jokes and excitement as the first crop of shrooms grows.
The log is basically a houseplant and like all living things does require some care. The logs will last 3-5 years and fruit every few months if cared for properly. Mostly they just need to be keep moist so the mushroom cells can multiply.
My logs are in the kitchen on an old sewing machine table by a window for bright, diffused light.