After harvest: how do you store your magic mushrooms?

If your grow kit has yielded a successful harvest of magic mushrooms, you'll have a nice stash of shrooms - and with every subsequent flush, even more. People with a magic mushroom grow kit are therefore always looking for the best way to store their harvest. Fresh storage, drying, or freezing? We found out which methods are recommended by growers and psychonauts. Read on to learn more!

Storing Magic Mushrooms

There are several ways to store shrooms, each with their own pros and cons. The most common method is drying the mushrooms. This can be done by spreading them out on a clean, absorbent surface such as paper towels and letting them dry in a cool, dark place. Make sure to turn the shrooms regularly and check for mold growth. Once dried, they can be stored in an airtight container or bag for long-term storage. It can take up to 2-3 weeks for your shrooms to be completely dry and ready for long-term storage.

During the storage period, potency decreases slightly, but this is a matter of years. Some users swear by storing shrooms in honey, which preserves the effectiveness well (and can improve the taste ;)) but it is recommended to only do this with dried mushrooms.

Another option is storing fresh mushrooms in a sealed container in the fridge, but this is only a short-term solution - your shrooms will then last for a maximum of 10 days (and maybe even shorter, depending on the humidity and temperature in your fridge).

Freezing is also a possibility, but this is generally not recommended. Although freezing can extend the shelf life, it can also affect the structure and potency of the mushrooms. When thawed, the shrooms can become mushy and lose potency. Moreover, the formation of ice crystals during the freezing process can damage the delicate active compounds. So while freezing is an option, most experienced users prefer drying or fresh storage for optimal quality and effectiveness.

If you're feeling really experimental, you can even choose to ferment your magic mushrooms - just like sauerkraut or kimchi, for example. It is said that, if done correctly, it can even increase the potency. But read up well before starting this, because an improperly executed fermentation where unfavorable bacteria get a chance can cause you to throw away your harvest and can even make you sick if you're really unlucky. So inform yourself well!

Fresh vs. Dried - the Effects

In short, drying your shrooms is the most effective and easy method, with the longest storage time. But what's better for tripping: fresh or dried shrooms? Many users report that fresh shrooms feel more potent. This is because fresh mushrooms contain a higher concentration of psilocin, one of the two main psychoactive compounds. During the drying process, a considerable amount of psilocin is lost due to its unstable nature. Psilocybin, the more stable compound, remains largely intact. So by consuming fresh shrooms, you likely get a higher dose of psilocin.

But that doesn't mean dried shrooms give a less intense trip! The character of your trip may be a bit different, but the strength of fresh and dried shrooms is certainly comparable. The higher psilocin concentration in fresh shrooms can lead to a faster onset, slightly different visual and auditory effects, and a different introspective experience. But don't underestimate dried shrooms, they can give you an equally strong trip, even though the drying process has changed the ratio of psilocin to psilocybin a bit. Psilocybin on its own also has a very strong effect.

Also, don't forget that with dried shrooms, due to their lower weight, you need much less. Dried shrooms weigh up to 10 times less than fresh ones. Keep this in mind and always start on the cautious side to see how your body reacts.

Your choice: Fresh or dried?

Whether you choose fresh or dried mushrooms, both offer unique and valuable experiences. Fresh shrooms may be suitable if you are looking for a trip with a fast onset and the limited shelf life is not a problem. Dried shrooms may be preferred if you value longer storage time, compactness, and ease of dosing.

Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences and intentions. Whichever option you choose, always approach psychedelic mushrooms with respect, knowledge, and the right mindset. Happy tripping! :)