Qingyuan Bark- hacking and “Shocking” methods
Invented 800 years ago, these are the two oldest shiitake mushroom
cultivation techniques believed to be invented by Wu Sangong ago. These techniques have increased the yield of shiitake mushrooms by 6 times.
Qingyuan Bark- hacking and “Shocking” methods
Invented 800 years ago, these are the two oldest shiitake mushroom
cultivation techniques in history. These techniques have increased
the yield of shiitake mushrooms by 6 times.
The Cultivation Process
A six-step traditional method for cultivating high-yield shiitake mushrooms, refined overcenturies.
1. Selection of sites
Sites are ideally south-facing with
mountains behind, using Castanopsis and
Elm trees. Key factors include large day-
night temperature differences, strong soil
water retention, and an altitude of 500-700
meters.
2. Logging
Logging is typically carried out in autumn.
Felled trees should fall in an east-west
direction to lie on the ground and properly
absorb moisture from the soil.
3. Douhua Method
From January to March, farmers use an axe
to chop off 1/3 to 1/2 of the bark, which is
kept sticking to the wood. This method
depends on tree age, material, and
environment.
4. Sheltering
As the shiitake mycelium begins to grow, the wood logs are covered with branches and leaves to prevent sun exposure and retain moisture, creating an ideal growth
environment.
5. “Shocking” shiitake
To promote growth, farmers use a homemade axe to quickly slap the wood logs. This stimulation fastens the growth of the mushroom mycelium.
6. Harvesting
Higher quality shiitake (Hua gu) with
cracked surfaces are grown in sunny, dry
fields. They are picked when the
mushrooms are slightly open.