Black Pearl King Oyster Liquid Culture Syringe (10cc)

About Black Pearl King Oyster

Black Pearl King Oyster is a striking hybrid cross between Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus eryngii that brings together the best of both parents — the robust, cool-weather vigor of the oyster and the thick, meaty stem of the King Trumpet. The caps develop a deep, dark brown-to-black coloration that contrasts beautifully against the pale stem, making it one of the most photogenic mushrooms you can grow. It's a relatively new cultivar that's quickly becoming a favorite among gourmet growers who want something rare, premium, and unmistakable.

Growing Notes

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Preferred substrate: Supplemented hardwood sawdust blocks
• Fruiting temperature: 55–70°F
• Colonization speed: Moderate
• Special considerations: Hybrid vigor produces strong colonization, but fruiting conditions need careful tuning — restrict FAE early for thick stems, then increase as caps expand. Cooler temps within the range deepen the dark cap color dramatically.

Culinary Uses

Black Pearl offers the best of both parents in the kitchen — a thick, King Trumpet-style stem that sears like a scallop, paired with a darker, more flavorful cap than the standard King. The stem is dense, slightly chewy, and takes marinades exceptionally well. Slice into medallions for pan-searing, quarter and roast for a steak-like bite, or shred for pulled-mushroom applications. Mild, nutty, umami-rich flavor that works in everything from Asian stir-fries to Italian pastas.

Usage Instructions

• Sanitize your work area, tools, and contact surfaces before handling.
• Prepare grain, substrate, agar, or grow kits according to your standard operating procedures.
• Introduce the liquid culture using sterile or near-sterile technique (e.g., in front of a flow hood or still-air box when applicable).
• Maintain species-appropriate incubation and fruiting conditions for temperature, humidity, and fresh air exchange.

Shelf Life & Storage

Store refrigerated at 34–39°F (1–4°C) away from direct sunlight. Under proper storage, typical shelf life is 3–6 months unopened. Always visually inspect for contamination, damage, or off-odors before use.

Quality & COA

Each batch is prepared using standardized procedures and test-inoculated on appropriate media before release. These internal checks act as our in-house Certificate of Analysis (COA) to confirm viability and cleanliness at the time of packaging.

Strain Profile

• Common name: Black Pearl King Oyster
• Scientific name: Pleurotus ostreatus × Pleurotus eryngii (hybrid)
• Strain: Black Pearl
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Preferred substrate: Supplemented hardwood sawdust blocks
• Use case: Premium gourmet production, rare dark-cap visual appeal, King Trumpet-style culinary texture

How to Use This Liquid Culture

1. Sterilize the injection port on your grain bag with an alcohol prep pad.
2. Shake the syringe vigorously for 10-15 seconds to disperse the mycelium evenly.
3. Inject 1-2cc of liquid culture through the self-healing injection port of your grain bag. Less is more — 1cc is usually plenty.
4. Seal and incubate the bag at 70-75°F in a clean, dark space.
5. Wait for colonization — white mycelium will begin spreading through the grain within 2-4 weeks.

Temperature & Timeline: Colonization typically takes 2-4 weeks at 70-75°F. Warmer is not better — temperatures above 80°F increase contamination risk.

Signs of Success: You'll see white, fluffy mycelium spreading outward from injection points. The grain will become covered in a uniform white coating when fully colonized.

Next Steps: Once the grain is fully colonized, transfer it to a bulk substrate or introduce fruiting conditions, depending on your setup.

Common Mistake: Injecting too much liquid culture does not speed up colonization — it wastes culture and can introduce excess moisture that encourages contamination. Stick to 1-2cc per bag.

What's in the Box

• 1x 10cc liquid culture syringe
• 1x sterile needle
• 1x alcohol prep pad