Fungal mycelia quickly colonises the sawdust but wood chips are required for sustained fruiting. After cooling the spawn is mixed with the straw. Two rows of 30 bags containing one ton of inoculated straw each can be accommodated in one of the growth rooms. Holes are punched in the bags to allow gaseous exchange and for the mushrooms to emerge through. Spore induced allergy problems with oysters were briefly mentioned.
Allergic reactions can also occur with shiitake production but is less of a problem.
Paul Stamets is keen to promote the medicinal properties of exotic mushrooms such as Shiitake, Maitake and Reishi. These mushrooms figure prominently in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine and recent Japanese research has indicated that they can act as immunomodulators in humans. Research is now being carried out in the Unites States and if the Japanese studies can be confirmed sales of these species could really take off. One of the most memorable aspects of the course was the mushroom feast, a stir fry of Shiitake and Maitake prepared by Paul's wife, Cruz. In addition, a cauldron containing the famous 'Stamets Olympic Rainforest Mushroom Tea' was always available.