King Blue Oyster Liquid Culture Syringe (10cc)

About King Blue Oyster

King Blue Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) is a premium selection of the blue oyster strain bred for substantially thicker stems and a denser, more substantial cap than the standard blue. Where a typical blue oyster is all cap and little stem, the King Blue delivers a meaty, almost scallop-like bite that has chefs requesting it by name. Cool-weather performance, deep blue-grey coloration, and a texture that rivals King Trumpet for culinary applications — this is the upgrade for growers who want more than just pretty clusters.

Growing Notes

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Preferred substrate: Supplemented hardwood sawdust blocks
• Fruiting temperature: 50–65°F
• Colonization speed: Moderate
• Special considerations: To develop the signature thick stems, fruit with reduced fresh air exchange during early pin formation, then increase FAE as caps expand. Cooler temps within the range produce the best stem density and darkest color.

Culinary Uses

The thick stems of King Blue Oyster are the prize — slice them into medallions and pan-sear them like scallops, or shred and pull them for vegan BBQ. The texture is firm, slightly chewy, and holds up to long cooking without falling apart. Caps have a deep, savory flavor similar to blue oyster but with more body. Excellent in creamy pastas, grain bowls, and hearty winter stews.

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: King Blue Oyster
• Scientific name: Pleurotus ostreatus
• Strain: King Blue selection
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Preferred substrate: Supplemented hardwood sawdust blocks
• Use case: Premium thick-stemmed gourmet production, scallop-like culinary applications

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