Egg TEK for Mycology: A Comprehensive Guide

PROCEDURE:

Blending the Eggs:

• Start by cracking all 3x whole eggs into a blender. Ensure you include the shells as they are a rich source of minerals that can benefit the fungi.
• Blend the eggs on medium speed until the shells are finely crushed and the mixture appears homogenized. This ensures that there are no large shell fragments that could potentially hinder the growth of the fungi.

Addition of Malt and Yeast:

• With the blender off, sprinkle in the malt and yeast to the blended eggs. These ingredients serve as nutrient boosters, helping in the accelerated growth of the fungi.
• Pulse the blender a few times to combine the ingredients gently. This prevents the formation of any large clumps and ensures even distribution.

Incorporating Water:

• Begin adding water in a steady stream while the blender is on low speed. The goal is to achieve a final volume of 500ml for the solution.
• Monitor the level closely to prevent overfilling.

Final Blending:

• Once all the ingredients are combined, blend the mixture on high for about 10 seconds. This ensures that all the ingredients are perfectly integrated and the mixture is smooth.

Preparing the Rice Mixture:

• In a clean quart jar, measure out 35g of rice. It’s recommended to use a funnel to prevent spilling.
• Slowly pour in 50 to 60ml of the egg solution you just prepared. Tilt the jar slightly as you pour to ensure even distribution of the liquid over the rice.
• A frothy foam may form on the top of the mixture. It’s crucial to note that when measuring out the solution, the foam should not be included in the measurement.
• PLEASE NOTE: If you followed our recipe (shown above) you shouldn’t have to worry about this however, ensure you leave about a 1-inch gap at the top to facilitate room for expansion and air exchange.
• Securing Lids: When placing the lid, ensure the rubber seal faces upward. This helps prevent the jars from getting vacuum-sealed during the sterilization process. Another option is to use a mycology lid such as one that contains a filtered vent and/or injection port (we have articles, DIY Supplies, and both Free & Paid for Mycology Courses hosted on our 🍄 Mushroom Academy!
• Foil Cover: Wrap the tops of the jars with aluminum foil. This provides an added layer of protection against potential moisture intrusion during pressure cooking.

Pressure Cooking:

• Seal the quart jar with its lid, ensuring it’s not too tight. This allows for pressure equalization during the cooking process.
• Place the jar in a pressure cooker and set it to 15 PSI. Cook for a full hour. The prolonged cooking ensures complete sterilization, reducing the chances of contamination.
• After 60-Minutes @ 15 PSI, turn off the pressure cooker and allow it to cool naturally. This gradual cooling further aids in sterilization.

Cooling & Inoculation:

• Let cool and use the following day.
• Post-pressure cooking, the substrate’s appearance might be less than pleasing, with a dense cake-like texture. However, don’t be alarmed. Cordyceps and various other fungal species have shown to thrive and grow rapidly in this enriched environment.