Production process

CNC Exotic Mushrooms BV is the only one in the Netherlands which uses the so-called bulk sterilisation process for the preparation of substrate.  All raw materials which are used for the substrate are of biological origin.

Description of the process:
The sawdust is transported to the mixer by a conveyor belt. When the mixture is filled in the mixer, biological supplement is added in doses. The sawdust and the biological supplement are continuously mixed while water is being added. As soon as a homogenous mixture has been obtained with the correct humidity level, the sterilisation process can start.  

In the mixing bunker the temperature is raised tot start the sterilisation process. This is essential to kill all harmful organisms in the mixture. After sterilisation the mixture is cooled down to approximately 25° Centigrade.

After that, the spawn is inoculated into the mixture under sterile circumstances.

Next, the ready-to-use substrate mixture is filled into sacks of 3.5 kg. The sacks have been specially designed for this purpose. A typical characteristic of the material is that air flow can take place, but no spores can penetrate the sacks from the outside.
After that, the sacks are put on a Danish cart and transported to the growing space. The growing space is a hall with continuous climate control in order to create an optimum in-growing climate for the mycelium. The in-growing stage differs for each mushroom species. To give you an impression: the in-growing period for oyster mushrooms is approximately 2 weeks and for Shii-take it takes 16 weeks (also see production description).