Last Updated: July 27, 2023
Notice: Advanced MycoTech does not condone Psilocybin (Psilocybe cubensis) or hallucinogenic (magic) mushroom growing in jurisdictions where it is currently illegal.
In this article, we guide you through the best avenues to purchase mushroom spores in today’s market. We’ll explore a variety of options for sourcing the spores of edible and gourmet mushrooms and delve into the more specialized world of Psilocybe cubensis spores for microscopy research. Remember, it is important to be mindful of the law and your safety, ensuring you only grow mushrooms that are legal in your jurisdiction.
Where to Buy Mushroom Spores
(In no particular order)
- Best Spore Vendor for New and Unique Genetics: Inoculate The World
- The Tried and True: Mushrooms.com
Best Mushroom Spore Vendor for New and Unique Genetics
1. Inoculate The World
Spores/Cultures available: Edible, gourmet, exotic, psilocybe
What we like: High quality, huge selection
What we don’t: Be quick, they go out of stock fast
Enter Inoculate the World, a trusted online vendor that has truly transformed the game.
From the get-go, the sheer variety of spores offered by Inoculate the World is astounding. They have liquid cultures of gourmet varieties like morel and lion’s mane, and even spores of psilocybe cubensis for those interested in microscopy research, the range is extensive.
The quality of their products is top-notch, a testament to their commitment to fostering the world of mycology. Advanced collectors can find more exotic strains, species and genetic isolations to expand their cultivation repertoire.
Consistently Reliable Mushroom Spore Vendor
2. Mushrooms.com
Spores/Cultures available: Edible, gourmet, exotic, psilocybe
What we like: High quality, tried and true, reliable
What we don’t: Selection is not as big as ITW above
Mushrooms.com stands as a digital mycology treasure trove. Their vast selection of spores caters to a wide array of interests, whether you’re an aspiring home grower hoping to cultivate edible mushrooms, a gourmet enthusiast seeking out rare and exotic strains, or a researcher in need of Psilocybe cubensis spores for microscopy purposes.
Unraveling the Enigma of Mushroom Spores
Nature never fails to astound us with its infinite varieties and fascinating entities. Among its myriad creations, mushrooms stand out for their culinary, medicinal, and even psychedelic attributes. But have you ever wondered where these mushrooms come from? The answer lies in the often-overlooked world of mushroom spores.
Demystifying Mushroom Spores
Mushroom spores are tiny reproductive cells capable of germinating into a new fungus. They’re the mushroom equivalent of a plant seed, but many times smaller. Each mature mushroom can produce billions of these spores, propagating the fungal species across diverse environments.
Exploring the Mushroom Kingdom
Mushrooms come in an incredible variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors. Ranging from delectable edibles to mind-altering substances, mushrooms contribute significantly to human experiences.
Edible Gourmet Mushrooms
Gourmet mushrooms like Portobello, Shiitake, and Oyster are loved worldwide for their taste and nutritional value. Their unique flavors have secured them a prominent place in culinary delights across continents. These edible mushrooms are often cultivated using spores, under carefully maintained conditions, to assure a high-quality yield.
Psilocybin Mushrooms or Magic Mushrooms
Psychedelic mushrooms continue to intrigue with their mind-altering properties. Among the numerous strains available, ‘Penis Envy’ and ‘Golden Teacher’ stand out due to their potency and unique characteristics.
Golden Teacher
Golden Teacher mushrooms, a variant of Psilocybe Cubensis, derive their name from their striking gold-colored caps. Widely recognized within the magic mushroom community, Golden Teachers are revered for more than just their distinctive appearance.
Golden Teachers are known for their moderate to high psilocybin and psilocin content, delivering a balanced psychedelic experience that is often described as transformative and insightful. Many users report experiences of enlightenment and a deeper connection with the universe, attributing these profound experiences to the ‘teachings’ of these magic mushrooms.
This strain is popular among beginners and seasoned psychonauts alike due to the predictability of its effects and the relative ease of cultivation from spores. They are characterized by larger than average fruiting bodies, often with stems reaching up to 8 inches in length.
Penis Envy
The Penis Envy mushroom strain is another variant of Psilocybe Cubensis, albeit with a very distinct and unmistakable appearance. As the name suggests, these mushrooms have a unique phallic shape, significantly different from the traditional cap-and-stem form most are accustomed to seeing.
Beyond their unusual morphology, Penis Envy mushrooms are sought after for their extraordinarily high psilocybin concentration. They are considered one of the most potent Cubensis strains, producing intense visual hallucinations and deeply introspective experiences.
Due to their high potency, Penis Envy mushrooms aren’t usually recommended for beginners. Their cultivation from spores is also more challenging, requiring precise conditions to fruit successfully.
In the world of magic mushrooms, Golden Teacher and Penis Envy have earned their spots as iconic strains, each promising a unique journey into the realms of the psychedelic experience.
The Art and Science of Spore Prints
A spore print, while captivating to look at, serves a purpose beyond its aesthetic appeal. It provides an essential identification tool, with each mushroom species leaving a characteristic color print. Beyond identification, spore prints serve a practical role in the cultivation of new mushrooms. Let’s delve into the process of how to make a spore print.
How to Make a Spore Print
Creating a spore print is an easy and engaging process that can be done at home. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Choose Your Mushroom
Choose a mature mushroom with a cap that’s fully opened. Make sure it’s fresh because older mushrooms may not drop spores efficiently.
Step 2: Sterilize Your Equipment
Cleanliness is crucial when dealing with spores, as you want to minimize the risk of contamination. Sterilize your knife by cleaning it with rubbing alcohol, and wash your hands thoroughly.
Step 3: Remove the Mushroom Stem
Using your sterilized knife, cut the stem as close to the cap as possible without disturbing the gills or pores underneath, as these are where the spores are produced.
Step 4: Place the Cap on a Surface
Place the cap, gills or pores down, on a piece of paper, aluminum foil, or glass. You can use half white and half black paper to ensure that the spore print’s color is visible, as spore colors can range from white to black, including various shades of red, orange, brown, and purple.
Step 5: Cover the Cap
Cover the mushroom cap with a cup or glass to create a micro-environment that encourages spore release. The cover also prevents drafts from scattering the spores.
Step 6: Wait
Leave the setup undisturbed for a few hours or ideally overnight. The mushroom will drop its spores onto the surface during this time.
Step 7: Reveal the Spore Print
Carefully remove the cover and lift the mushroom cap to reveal your spore print! If you want to preserve the print, you can cover it with clear tape or glass.
Remember to always handle mushrooms with care, especially wild ones, as some can be toxic. Through spore prints, we can appreciate the beauty, complexity, and utility of these tiny life-carriers even more.
Understanding Spore Syringes
A spore syringe is a common method used for storing and the perfect tool for distributing mushroom spores. It contains spores suspended in sterile water, ready to be inoculated onto a suitable substrate, such as brown rice flour, for mushroom cultivation. Spore syringes simplify the cultivation process and increase the chances of successful growth, making them popular among both novice and experienced cultivators. A mushroom spore syringe kit may be purchased through any of the aforementioned vendors.
Legal Status of Psilocybin Mushroom Spores
It’s essential to understand the legal landscape surrounding psilocybin mushroom spores, given their potent psychedelic properties. As of the writing of this article, the spores themselves are legal to buy, sell, and possess in many countries and US states because they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin. However, using them to produce magic mushrooms for the purpose of drug use is illegal in many jurisdictions. Always ensure to research local laws before purchasing or cultivating psilocybin mushroom spores.
Exploring the World of Spore Vendors
Whether you’re a seasoned cultivator or a beginner embarking on your first mushroom-growing venture, finding a reputable spore vendor is crucial to your success. Spore vendors provide the essential starting materials, primarily in the form of spore syringes, spore prints, or culture syringes, which contain living mycelium.
What to Consider When Choosing a Spore Vendor
Variety of Strains
A good vendor should offer a wide variety of mushroom spores. This variety allows you to experiment with different types of mushrooms, from edible species like Shiitake and Oyster to more exotic strains like the psychedelic Psilocybe Cubensis.
Quality of Spores
The quality of spores is critical. Top vendors will provide high-quality, viable spores that are clean and ready to grow. Good spore vendors often create their spores in sterile conditions to minimize the risk of contamination.
Legal Compliance
Reputable vendors will be aware of the laws surrounding the sale and shipment of certain types of spores, especially psilocybin spores. They’ll refrain from shipping to states or countries where these spores are illegal.
Customer Service
Great vendors stand by their products and offer excellent customer service. They should be able to answer any queries or concerns you have about their products.
Popular Spore Vendors
Here are a couple reputable vendors known for their quality products and service.
- Inoculate The World: A fast growing treasure trove of new and unique mushroom genetics. Their library of magic mushroom spores is unrivaled.
- Mushrooms.com (formerly The Hawks Eye): A well-respected vendor that’s been around for over two decades, offering a variety of Psilocybe Cubensis strains and other gourmet and medicinal mushroom spores.
Before you make a purchase, remember to do thorough research on vendors, check reviews from previous customers, and ensure that buying and cultivating these spores is legal in your location. The world of mushroom cultivation awaits, and it all starts with a single spore.
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