When to Harvest Magic Mushrooms? Optimal Timing Tips
Magic mushrooms are revered not only for their unique effects but also for the delicate process involved in cultivating and harvesting them.
For growers, one of the most crucial stages in this process is knowing when to harvest magic mushrooms.
Timing your harvest perfectly can significantly impact the potency, appearance, and overall experience of the mushrooms.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about harvesting mushrooms that contain psilocybin. We’ll go into detail on the Golden Teacher harvest as one of the most powerful strains in the world and offer valuable insights that will boost your knowledge on the topic.
Why timing is crucial in harvesting mushrooms
The importance of harvesting mushrooms at the right time cannot be overstated.
Timing affects several key aspects of your magic mushrooms, including:
Potency
Magic mushrooms contain psychoactive compounds such as psilocybin and psilocin, which are responsible for their mind-altering effects.
These compounds reach their peak concentration just before the mushroom fully matures.
Harvesting too early or too late can lead to diminished potency, resulting in a weaker trip.
Appearance
Shrooms harvested at the right time are visually appealing, with firm caps and stems.
Overripe mushrooms, on the other hand, can look less desirable as their caps often open fully and start to release spores, which can darken and alter the appearance of the mushrooms.
Ease of harvesting
Picking mushrooms at the optimal time naturally makes the harvesting process smoother.
Overgrown mushrooms can become more fragile and difficult to handle, while those harvested too early might be underdeveloped and tricky to pick without damaging the mycelium.
Subsequent flushes
Proper timing also influences the health of the mycelium and the potential for additional flushes.
It’s important to understand that overharvesting or disturbing the mycelium can reduce the chances of a healthy second or third crop.
When to harvest magic mushrooms: Understanding the growth stages
Magic mushrooms go through several growth stages, and recognizing these stages is essential for determining the perfect time to harvest.
The general rule of thumb is to harvest mushrooms just before the veil under the cap breaks.
However, keep in mind that this can vary slightly depending on the strain and growing conditions.
Some of the key indicators for harvesting mushrooms that you need to know about include:
- Cap shape
- Veil tearing
- Color and texture
Let’s dive deeper into each one of these factors.
Cap shape
Early in their development, magic mushroom caps are rounded and bulbous, sitting tightly against the stem.
As they grow, the caps start to expand and flatten out.
The ideal time to harvest is when the cap is still somewhat rounded but is beginning to flatten out, indicating that the mushroom is nearing maturity. This is when the psilocybin content is at its peak.
Veil tearing
The veil is a thin membrane that connects the cap to the stem. It serves as a protective barrier for the gills and spores beneath the cap.
When the veil starts to tear away from the stem, the mushroom is reaching its mature stage.
This is the most critical indicator that the mushroom is ready to be harvested.
If you wait until the veil is completely torn and the cap fully opens, the mushroom will begin to release spores, signalling that it’s overripe.
Color and texture
The color of the mushroom cap can also give clues about its readiness.
A healthy, mature cap will have a uniform color, often rich and vibrant depending on the strain.
The texture should be firm but not too hard. Magic mushrooms that are overly soft or have started to darken may be past their prime.
When to harvest Golden Teachers: Specific tips
Golden Teachers are one of the most popular strains of magic mushrooms, known for their golden caps and profound, introspective trips.
They are relatively forgiving when it comes to timing the harvest, but to get the most out of your Golden Teacher mushrooms, timing is still key.
Naturally, a popular question both growers and consumers have is when to harvest Golden Teacher mushrooms.
Like other strains, Golden Teachers should be harvested when the cap begins to flatten but before it opens completely.
The golden color of the caps often intensifies as the mushroom matures. The moment you see the veil starting to tear away from the stem is the ideal time for a Golden Teacher harvest.
Golden Teachers can grow to a larger size than many other strains. However, bigger isn’t always better when it comes to potency.
Harvesting when the mushrooms are medium-sized and the caps are still slightly domed can provide a more potent and manageable trip.
This shroom strain can also thrive in a slightly warmer environment compared to other strains.
If you’re growing them from a kit, it’s important to monitor the temperature and humidity closely, as these factors can influence the timing of your harvest.
When to harvest Golden Teachers from a grow kit will largely depend on these environmental factors, as well as the growth stage indicators mentioned earlier.
When to harvest mushrooms from a grow kit
For those using a grow kit, the process of determining when to harvest mushrooms is similar to traditional cultivation, but there are a few additional considerations:
- Observation – Grow kits often come with pre-colonized substrates, making the growing process quicker and more predictable. Regular observation is key. Once you see the mushrooms developing and the caps starting to flatten, it’s time to pay close attention.
- Environmental control – Ensure that your grow kit is in an environment with consistent temperature and humidity levels. Fluctuations can slow down or speed up the growth process, affecting when you should harvest.
- Timing multiple flushes – Grow kits can produce several flushes of mushrooms. After harvesting the first flush, you should allow the mycelium to rest and rehydrate the substrate if necessary. This will encourage additional flushes. Knowing when to harvest mushrooms from the first flush can set the stage for healthy subsequent harvests.
The post-harvest process: Drying and storing your mushrooms
After carefully harvesting your magic mushrooms at the optimal time, the next crucial steps are drying and storing them properly.
These processes are essential for preserving the mushrooms’ potency and ensuring they remain safe to consume for an extended period.
Drying magic mushrooms: Why it matters
Drying your mushrooms is a critical step because fresh mushrooms contain a high amount of water – up to 90%.
If not dried correctly, the moisture left in the mushrooms can lead to mold growth, spoilage, and a significant loss of potency.
Drying them removes this moisture, preserving the psilocybin and making the mushrooms easier to store and consume.
There are several methods to dry magic mushrooms, and each has its own benefits and considerations.
Air drying
Air drying is the most traditional method and is quite effective, though it requires patience and the right conditions.
Here’s how to do it.
Start by placing your freshly harvested shrooms on a clean, dry surface.
Ideally, use a wire rack or a mesh screen that allows for good airflow underneath the mushrooms as well. If you don’t have a wire rack, a layer of paper towels on a flat surface can work, but ensure that you turn the mushrooms regularly.
The room where you dry your mushrooms should be cool, dry, and well-ventilated.
A fan can be used to increase airflow, which helps to speed up the drying process. Avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can degrade the psilocybin in the mushrooms.
Depending on the size and thickness of the mushrooms, air drying can take several days.
You’ll know they are properly dried when the mushrooms become brittle and snap easily rather than bend. They should feel light and have a parchment-like texture.
Using a dehydrator
A food dehydrator is another effective method, particularly for those who want a quicker and more controlled drying process.
Dehydrators work by circulating warm air around the magic mushrooms, which dries them evenly and efficiently.
Place the psychedelic mushrooms on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they are not overlapping or touching. This allows air to circulate freely around each mushroom.
Set the dehydrator to a low temperature – around 95°F to 105°F (35°C to 40°C).
Higher temperatures can degrade the psilocybin, so it’s important to keep the heat low. This slow, gentle drying process helps to preserve the active compounds in the mushrooms.
The drying process in a dehydrator typically takes 6 to 12 hours, depending on the size and thickness of the mushrooms. Check them periodically; they’re done when they snap easily and have no remaining moisture.
Fan-assisted drying
If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can accelerate air drying with a fan.
Put the mushrooms on a drying rack or mesh screen. Position a fan to blow air directly over the mushrooms. This constant airflow helps to evaporate moisture more quickly.
Fan drying can reduce the drying time to about 24 to 48 hours, depending on the conditions. Make sure the mushrooms are fully dry before moving on to storage.
Storing magic mushrooms: Long-term preservation
If you want to maintain the potency and safety of your dried mushrooms, it’s key to ensure proper storage.
Even after drying, mushrooms can lose their effectiveness over time if they’re not stored correctly.
Here’s how to store them to ensure they last as long as possible.
Airtight containers
Once your mushrooms are fully dried, they need to be stored in a way that protects them from moisture, light, and air – all of which can degrade psilocybin.
- Choosing a container – The best storage containers are airtight. Mason jars, vacuum-sealed bags, or specialized mylar bags with moisture barriers are ideal.
- Preventing moisture – Even in an airtight container, there’s always a risk of moisture getting in, especially if you open the container frequently. To counteract this, you can add a food-safe desiccant packet inside the container to absorb any residual moisture.
- Avoiding light exposure – Light, especially UV light, can break down psilocybin over time, reducing the potency of your mushrooms. Store the container in a dark place, like a cupboard or drawer, to protect the contents.
Temperature control
Temperature also plays a critical role in preserving your mushrooms. Psilocybin is relatively stable, but exposure to high temperatures can cause it to degrade.
The ideal storage temperature is cool but not freezing.
A refrigerator is a good option, as it provides a consistently low temperature that helps to preserve the potency of the mushrooms.
If you’re storing for a very long period, you might even consider freezing the mushrooms, although this should be done carefully to avoid moisture issues.
* Never store your mushrooms in a warm or hot environment, such as near a heater or in direct sunlight. Heat accelerates the degradation of psilocybin, leading to a loss in potency.
Mastering the art of magic mushroom harvesting
Knowing when to harvest magic mushrooms is an essential skill for any grower, whether you’re cultivating Golden Teachers or another strain.
By paying close attention to the growth stages of your shrooms, you can time your harvest perfectly to maximize potency and quality.
After harvesting, proper drying and storage techniques are crucial to maintaining the mushrooms’ effectiveness for future use.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your magic mushroom experience is as potent, safe, and enjoyable as possible.
James Sullivan is a writer for Three Amigos, specializing in natural remedies and mental health. An advocate for the therapeutic use of psilocybin, he combines his passion for writing with his love for the great outdoors.
