Keep the block inside its original plastic grow bag. Pioppino uses the plastic above the block as a humidity collar, so do not remove the bag and do not make a side X or slit.

1. Make sure to start with clean hands or wear clean gloves. Stand the block upright.
2. Use clean scissors to make a small 1/2 inch cut in the top corner of the bag, and open it up to get a little pocket of air.
3. Make sure the filter patch is not blocked. Gently pull the upper corners of the bag outward so there is open air space above the top of the block.
4. Place the block in a cool area with indirect light.

Young Pioppino pins are sensitive to drying. The remaining plastic acts as a humidity collar. It helps keep the air around the top of the block humid while the mushrooms begin to pin. 

Pioppino should fruit from the top of the block.  Monitor for small pins pressing against the plastic at the top of the bag. Pins may begin forming within about 5–14 days. They often appear as dense clusters of tiny brown-capped mushrooms.

Keep the bag closed while the pins are small. Wait until the pins are well established and approximately 2 inches tall before cutting the top off and opening the bag.

A. Growing in an Automated Mushroom Tent

Keeping the bag closed during this early stage helps the block hold humidity. Aim for 60–68°F and humidity level between 85–95% during pinning. Avoid aggressive exhaust or strong airflow while the pins are still forming inside the closed bag.

B. Growing on the Countertop:

Place the unopened block in a cool room (best temperature between 60–68°F) with indirect light and wait to see pinning. If your room is dry, loosely place a clean plastic bag over the entire kit as a humidity tent. Leave the bottom of the humidity tent loose, or add a few small holes so fresh air can enter. Mist the inside walls of the humidity tent as needed. Avoid directly spraying young pins. Make sure the air around the block does not feel stale. 

Once the pins are approximately 2 inches tall:

1. Wash your hands or wear clean gloves. 
2. Use clean scissors.
3. Cut off the top of the bag just below the heat seal.
4. Keep the block upright.
5. Give the developing cluster room to grow.

What Healthy Growth Looks Like:

Pioppino pins often appear as dense clusters of tiny brown-capped mushrooms on the top surface of the block.

As they grow, the stems naturally elongate and the caps become richer brown and rounded. Some stem length is normal for Pioppino.

After the bag is opened, the mushrooms need more fresh air than they did during early pinning.

Harvest when the underside of the cap begins pulling away from the stem and the veil is just starting to break. For the best texture and appearance, harvest while the caps are still rounded rather than waiting until they are fully flattened.

1. Grasp the cluster firmly at the base. Twist and pull the cluster away from the block, or cut it cleanly at the base with a clean knife.
2. Trim off any attached substrate before cooking