Seasonal Facility Cultivation of Medicinal and Edible Fungi

Seasonal facility cultivation of medicinal and edible fungi is a method that utilizes modern agricultural technologies to create an optimal growing environment based on the specific growth characteristics and seasonal changes of each fungal species. By replicating the ideal conditions for a particular fungus during its growing season, this technique ensures stable, efficient, high-quality, and safe cultivation. Compared to traditional outdoor farming, seasonal facility cultivation allows for precise control over environmental factors, effectively extending the supply period of fungi beyond their natural growing season. Additionally, it conserves land and water resources, improving overall resource use efficiency. The enclosed environment, combined with insect-proof netting, helps reduce the occurrence and spread of pests and diseases, thereby minimizing pesticide use and contributing to ecological sustainability and food safety.

Common edible fungi like shiitake mushrooms, black fungus, reishi mushrooms, and oyster mushrooms all require specific growing conditions to achieve their desired commercial appearance, which is typically open and fully developed. To achieve this, the fruiting bodies must form outside the cultivation containers, where they can benefit from exposure to sunlight, rain, mountain breezes, and the natural day-night temperature fluctuations. These environmental factors are critical for the growth and development of these fungi. As a result, most medicinal and edible fungi cannot be cultivated year-round in factory settings, but are more suitable for seasonal cultivation using simple facilities. This is known as seasonal facility cultivation.

In addition to fungi that are suitable for factory-based cultivation, many commercially cultivated species can only be grown seasonally. From these, high-end ingredients can be derived that meet certain standards: First, they must have excellent taste—flavor is the most important factor. Second, they must be fresh. Third, they should be available in multiple forms—fresh, dried, or salted. Fourth, stable quality and yield are essential to establish a reliable supply chain and ensure market demand is met.

Seasonal facility cultivation provides a sustainable and efficient approach to growing medicinal and edible fungi. By adapting to the unique growth needs of each species, this method ensures high-quality production while conserving resources, protecting the environment, and meeting market demand for premium fungi.