Four Corners Fungi Mushroom Farm

Elevating access to premium gourmet and medicinal mushrooms to the high desert

Cultivation Process

Employing scientific knowledge of mycology, engineering design, and care

From Spore to Store

THE ART AND SCIENCE OF DESERT MUSHROOM CULTIVATION

Our cultivation process is a carefully orchestrated symphony of biology, technology, and sustainable practices. Here's an in-depth look at how we grow our premium mushrooms in the heart of the desert:

  1. Substrate Preparation: Our proprietary substrate mix is the foundation of our mushrooms' success:

  • 60% Water: Carefully pH-balanced and purified using an activated charcoal water filter

  • 30% Cellulose: A blend of sawdust, recycled paper, and locally sourced plant waste

  • 5% Nitrogen: Coffee grounds from local cafes, organic bran, and desert-adapted fertilizers

  • 5% Mineral additives: To mimic the diverse nutrient profile of natural forest floors

70% of our substrate ingredients come from upcycled waste products, supporting local industries and reducing landfill waste.

  1. Sterilization and Inoculation:

  • Substrate is sterilized in large autoclaves to eliminate competing organisms

  • In our laminar flow hood, we introduce carefully selected mushroom cultures to the sterile substrate

  • The inoculated substrate is then sealed in specially designed grow bags

  1. Incubation:

  • Bags are moved to our climate-controlled incubation rooms

  • Over 2-4 weeks, mycelium colonizes the substrate, creating a dense, white mass

  1. Fruiting:

  • Once fully colonized, bags are moved to fruiting rooms where environmental conditions trigger mushroom formation

  • Lighting, temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels are precisely controlled to mimic ideal natural conditions

  • For some varieties, we simulate desert day-night cycles to enhance flavor and nutrient density

  1. Fruiting:

  • Mushrooms are hand-harvested at peak maturity

  • Immediately processed in our on-site clean room for maximum freshness

  1. Harvest & Processing:

  • Composting After harvest; the spent substrate becomes a nutrient-rich mushroom compost

  • Contains an average of 25% organic matter and 58% moisture

  • Rich in nitrogen (1.12%), phosphate (0.67%), potash (1.24%), calcium (2.29%), magnesium (0.35%), and iron (1.07%)

  • Ideal pH of 6.6 and a carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of 13:1

  • Used in our desert restoration projects and offered to local gardeners and farmers

Get In Touch

Unable to find form