I wondered why my neighbor dumped that pile of logs there, and why the community was now 'stealing' logs from that pile.
As it turns out, the logs are oak, and they all seem to be growing shiitake mushrooms.
Shiitake; Good For the Health
Despite the crappy name, the shiitake mushroom has been shown to have numerous health benefits, containing lots of vitamins including vitamins A, C, D, and E. These shrooms contain powerful antioxidants, and have been shown to have anti-inflammation and anti-cancer effects, while they can also lower blood pressure.
So it was that I liberated about six of these shiitake logs from the pile, and then looked around the garden for my materials to build a tiny mushroom farm, expanding the edible forest.
This plastic staircase riser might be perfect to keep the logs separated and off of the ground, so that they don't become infested with other mushrooms.
Once the logs are set up, I will only need to splash water on them occasionally when the weather is dry, for a perpetual supply of shiitake mushrooms.
It has been estimated by someone that these logs will produce for a few more years if kept properly.
INTERESTING SHIITAKE GROWER'S TIP:
When starting new oak logs plugged with shiitake spores, if for some reason the mushrooms won't sprout, the farmer can soak the log in cold water, then thump the log with a hammer.
Nobody is sure why the concussion on the wood inspires the mushrooms to sprout. One good theory is that the shrooms feel the vibration and sprout on the chance that the 'thump' was another oak tree falling nearby in the forest, and they are readying themselves to spread out through the ecosystem.
This basket of shiitake mushrooms was harvested from the large pile while I was liberating a few of the logs.
Always check with an expert before eating wild mushrooms of any kind. Many varieties are highly poisonous, and care should be taken when harvesting them for food. Thoughtful teaching is required if children are taking part or even watching a wild mushroom harvest, and children will need to know not to pick or eat wild mushrooms without careful adult supervision.
It looks like my edible forest will now include mushrooms!
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