PF TEK, an homage to the professor!

[myco_jordan]

PF Tek (Psilocybe Fanaticus Technique) is a popular method for growing mushrooms, especially when starting cultures from spores. It’s a simple and effective approach that utilizes readily available materials. Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare and follow the PF Tek recipe for making fruiting cakes:

Materials Needed:

Brown rice flour
Vermiculite
Water
Quart-sized wide-mouthed canning jars with lids
Aluminum foil or jar lids with holes
Pressure cooker or large pot for sterilization
Spore syringe or liquid mycelium syringe
Micropore tape
Gloves, SAB (still air box)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Prepare the Substrate:

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 parts vermiculite, 1 part brown rice flour, and 1 part water. Mix thoroughly until the substrate is evenly moistened.
Fill Jars with Substrate:

Fill each quart-sized canning jar with the substrate mixture, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top. Gently tap the jars on a surface to settle the substrate and remove any air pockets. Using wide mouth jars is recommended as these cakes will need to slide out of the jar once they are ready to fruit.

Cover Jars:

With the substrate in the jars, we now need to prep them for sterilization/pasteurization. Use jar lids with a needle sized hole punched into it. This hole will be utilized for two purposes, first as gas exchange, necessary for the mycelium to grow. Also will be utilized as an injection port after sterilization of the substrate. Use micropore tape to cover the hole before and after inoculation. With the substrate in jar, and lid in place, now we cover the top of the jar with aluminum foil. This will keep the jars moisture levels optimal during the pressure cooking cycle, by preventing any steam or moisture from entering the jar we ensure our PF cakes are perfect for the mycelium to thrive.

Sterilize Jars:

Place the filled and covered jars in a pressure cooker or large pot filled with water. Sterilize the jars at 15 PSI for 90 minutes in a pressure cooker or steam pasteurize them for 2-3 hours in a pot, the ladder method will require you to keep a sharp eye on water level in your pot as you want to continuously expose the jars to the heat from the steam, ensuring any harmful contaminants are eliminated before inoculation.

Inoculate Jars:

After sterilization, allow the jars to cool completely. Once cool, inoculate each jar with spores from a spore syringe or using liquid mycelium culture. Do this process in a SAB or in front of a laminar flow hood. Inject the spores into the substrate through the holes in the jar lids, spore syringes will introduce more moisture as the . Use micropore tape to cover the holes after inoculation. This will allow air exchange while filtering any potential contaminants.

Incubate Jars:

After inoculation, store the jars in a dark, warm place (around 75-80°F or 24-27°C) for 2-4 weeks to allow the mycelium to colonize the substrate. Monitor the jars for signs of contamination during this period. Any growth that doesn’t resemble mycelium should be tossed to prevent cross contamination.

Check for Colonization:

After a few weeks, check the jars for full colonization. The substrate should be fully covered with white mycelium. If any jars show signs of contamination, discard them immediately.

Prepare for Fruiting:

Once fully colonized, remove the aluminum foil or jar lids from the jars. Place the colonized jars in a fruiting chamber with high humidity and indirect light.

Fruiting and Harvesting:

After a few days, small mushroom pins will begin to form at the points of inoculation. Provide misting and fresh air exchange regularly.
Harvesting Mushrooms:

As the mushrooms mature, gently twist and pull them from the substrate. Harvest them before they release spores to prevent any messes or complications.

Following these steps will help you successfully prepare and follow the PF Tek recipe for making fruiting cakes, especially when starting cultures from spores. Always maintain sterile conditions and monitor for signs of contamination throughout the process.

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