How to Cultivate Cordyceps Militaris Mushrooms | With William Padilla-Brown | Grow in Jars or Bins

Summary

In this informative video, William Padilla Brown, founder of Microsymbiotics, shares his journey in cultivating Cordyceps militaris mushrooms, a species known for its aphrodisiac and energy-boosting properties. He emphasizes the importance of citizen science and demonstrates a simple, accessible method for growing these mushrooms at home using rice as a substrate and coconut water as a nutrient-rich base. Brown outlines the process from preparing the substrate to sterilization and inoculation, providing practical tips for beginners. He also touches on the potential medicinal benefits of Cordyceps, including its ability to inhibit HIV replication, and encourages viewers to explore holistic medicine and mycology.

Takeaways

• 🌱 William Padilla Brown is the founder of Microsymbiotics, an environmental research business based in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania.
• 🔍 The business focuses on achieving balance with local ecology and the community, with an emphasis on citizen science and public acts of scientific engagement.
• 🍄 Brown discusses cultivating Cordyceps mushrooms, which have health benefits as an aphrodisiac and an energy booster without the crash associated with caffeine.
• 📈 Cordyceps mushrooms can be found at high altitudes and are believed to increase the amount of oxygen in the blood, suggesting potential uses in a new molecular industry.
• 🌾 The cultivation process involves creating a substrate matrix for the mushroom fungus to grow on, which is typically rice enriched with supplements to mimic the mushrooms' natural diet.
• 🥥 Ingredients for the nutrient broth include coconut water, which provides potassium beneficial for Cordyceps, and tapioca starch as a carbon source for the mushrooms.
• 🧪 Additional supplements such as magnesium sulfate, rock dusts or crushed vitamins, brown rice, soy peptone, kelp powder, and gypsum are used to enrich the growing medium.
• 🛠️ Brown demonstrates the use of simple tools like a pressure cooker, spoons, a scale, and a whisk to prepare the substrate, emphasizing the accessibility of mushroom cultivation.
• 🛡️ Sterilization of the substrate is crucial, and Brown uses a pressure cooker to achieve this, recommending at least 10 psi for 45 minutes to an hour and a half.
• 🧬 Recent research suggests that two active compounds in Cordyceps militaris, cortisepine and cortimon, have the potential to inhibit HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, highlighting the mushroom's medicinal value.
• 🌱 The script also covers the process of inoculating the sterilized substrate with liquid culture and the importance of maintaining proper moisture levels and cleanliness to avoid contamination.

Q & A

What is the name of the business founded by William Padilla Brown?

The business founded by William Padilla Brown is called Microsymbiotics.

What is the primary focus of Microsymbiotics?

Microsymbiotics is an environmental research business that focuses on cultivating cordyceps mushrooms and achieving balance with local ecology and community.

What are the two main benefits of cordyceps mentioned in the script?

The two main benefits of cordyceps mentioned are its use as an aphrodisiac and its ability to provide cellular energy without the crash associated with caffeine.

What role does coconut water play in the cultivation process of cordyceps?

Coconut water is used as the base of the nutrient broth for cultivating cordyceps because it contains potassium, which is beneficial for the growth of cordyceps.

What is the purpose of using tapioca starch in the cultivation of cordyceps?

Tapioca starch is used because it breaks down into sugars, which the mushrooms use as a carbon source to create their bodies.

What is the significance of magnesium sulfate in the cultivation process?

Magnesium sulfate acts as a mineral supplement in the nutrient broth, supporting the growth of cordyceps.

Why is kelp powder used in the cultivation of cordyceps?

Kelp powder is used for its macro and micronutrients and minerals, which help ensure healthy growth and the production of desired compounds in cordyceps.

What is the purpose of using gypsum in the cultivation process?

Gypsum is used to add calcium and magnesium, and to provide rigidity and structure to the mushroom, similar to its use in other mushroom cultivation.

What is the recommended sterilization method for the jars used in cultivating cordyceps?

The jars are sterilized using a pressure cooker, with settings to achieve at least 10 psi for 45 minutes to an hour and a half, or 15 psi for 45 minutes with an All-American pressure cooker.

What are the two active compounds in cordyceps militaris mentioned in the script, and what are they capable of?

The two active compounds mentioned are cordycepin and cordimon, which are capable of inhibiting HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, preventing the HIV virus from replicating.

What is the recommended method for beginners to start cultivating cordyceps?

The Instant Pot technique is recommended for beginners as it is easier to get into and focuses solely on cordyceps cultivation.

What is the importance of maintaining the right moisture level in the substrate?

Maintaining the right moisture level is crucial as too little moisture prevents mycelium growth, while too much saturation can lead to bacterial growth instead of mycelium.

What is the role of the flow hood area in the cultivation process?

The flow hood area is prepared for introducing the liquid culture to the substrate in a sterile environment, which is essential for successful mycelium growth.

What is the recommended incubation period and temperature for cordyceps?

The recommended incubation period is about three to six days for the mycelium to grow through the substrate, and the environment should be kept at about 65 degrees Fahrenheit from incubation until harvest.

How can harvested cordyceps be stored or preserved?

Harvested cordyceps can be stored in ethanol or vinegar for extracts or preservation, or they can be dehydrated and stored in a container with silica packets for later use in teas, foods, or extracts.

What is the most common contaminant encountered in cordyceps cultivation, and what conditions does it favor?

The most common contaminant is calculosporium corticola, a fungus that lives inside cordyceps and exposes itself when conditions are not ideal, such as when it's too warm, above 68-69 degrees Fahrenheit.

How can one follow William Padilla Brown and Microsymbiotics for more information?

One can follow William Padilla Brown on Instagram under the handle @michael_senbaio, check out the Microsymbiotics website at michaelsonbiotics.net, and watch educational content on YouTube from Apex Grower.