Finding Awe in Pink Oyster Mushrooms: A Living Centerpiece
The feeling of Awe is closely related to the feeling of Wonder. It’s that moment when suddenly you feel both insignificant and filled with an expansiveness you don’t normally experience. I felt it as I watched the landscape become an eerie orange darkness in the middle of the day during a total solar eclipse; I felt it when I rounded the corner in the trail and first caught sight of the Tamolitch Blue Pool in central Oregon, agape at the electric blue illusion it created; I felt it when I saw the Northern Lights dancing in the sky for the first time; and I feel it any time I go to the ocean and stare out over its vast expanse. There’s something incredibly beautiful about feeling so very small.
According to this article by BETTER, awe is defined as “the emotion we feel in response to something vast that defies our existing frame of reference in one area or another, and leads us to change our perception of that frame of reference.” Awe is often used when speaking of vast experiences - mountain ranges, stargazing, standing at the edge of a precipice, reaching the highest peak. But I think awe is found in the small things just as often. I experience awe when I watch the delicate feathery bodies of barnacles dance in tidepool waters. I experience awe when I watch the steadfast dedication and organization of ants building a hill. I experience awe when I come across mushrooms in the woods and, almost suddenly, become aware of the threads of mycelium under my feet holding the whole forest together. All around us are miracles, awe-inspiring feats of nature that have the ability to completely enchant us if we’d pause to really observe them. When we do, we are rewarded with that expansive feeling that we are part of something so much bigger than ourselves and our daily struggles. Experiencing awe can lead to increased happiness, connection, and even health - plus it feels wonderful.
One of the biggest beauties about both wonder and awe is that every single one of us is fully capable of creating our own. It can be as simple as taking a moment to admire the sparkling crystals on the edge of a frosted leaf, or the pure white blanket of snow illuminating a moonlit landscape. It can be in observing bread dough rise or blossoms ferment into wine. It can be seeking out the unknown - a new restaurant or hiking trail or ingredient. Sometimes, it can be as simple as eating a vibrant meal that you’ve prepared yourself.
One of my favorite ways to inspire those sparkling eyes and a feeling of deep connectedness is by growing mushrooms. I vividly remember my first “mushroom kit” - which came to me as a white block created of sawdust and active mycelium. I followed the instructions and soon there were tiny little pin mushrooms. After that, the growth was explosive! My beautiful pink oyster mushrooms unfurled and stretched almost before my very eyes. I would run to check on them multiple times a day, always amazed at the noticeable differences in size. And how very beautiful they were! Soft pinks and salmon tones predominated, with a delicate translucency and velvety tops. They were as gorgeous as a bouquet of fresh blossoms, but all the more magical to have watched them stretch forth into the world with such graceful tenacity.
It felt like a shame to hide such perfection away in a big plastic container in my spare bathroom (which were the instructions that came with my kit.) This time around, I wanted to showcase the magic, to allow the family and friends that visit to feel that awe alongside me. I hunted down a miniature greenhouse to give my inoculated loaf the humidity needed to grow happily in the dry climate of western Idaho. I filled the bottom with moss that would benefit from that humidity, and I made sure there was some airflow through shapes I cut in the sides since mushrooms need oxygen to grow just like us. I activated my mushroom block according to the instructions that came with it, except I cut three openings instead of one. Then, I illuminated my centerpiece creation with faerie lights and watched with wonder and joy as those beautiful mushrooms emerged and unfurled in the middle of my living space where I could give them the spotlight they so deserved. It’s incredible to watch pink oyster mushrooms grow. Every time you peek at them throughout the day, you’ll be amazed at how fast the process goes! I also love the way the intense hot pink color fades to a warm salmon as the mushrooms mature. Incredible that all they need is a little misted water. Almost a miracle. Definitely awe-inspiring!
Creating a Mushroom Centerpiece:
Since I enjoyed this project so much, I thought I’d share my process in case you want to give it a try yourself! The hardest part is sourcing the miniature greenhouse - I found mine on ebay and re-finished it, but you can find similar items at yard sales or in hobby or home stores. I grew pink oyster mushrooms because they are my favorite, but other kinds of culinary mushrooms should work in this setting as well.
You’ll Need:
A mushroom growing kit (I used this one)
A mini tabletop greenhouse that is 3x wider than your mycelium block
Sandpaper
Varnish
A plastic tray to fit inside, or a sheet of acetate and some packaging tape
Small pebbles
One larger flat rock
Moss
A fine mister (mine came with the mushroom kit)
Battery operated fairy lights, optional.
Directions:
First you will want to make sure that your miniature greenhouse is durable enough for this project. All wood surfaces should be well sealed to prevent the moisture in the greenhouse from growing mold. I sanded off the peeling paint on mine and refinished it in several coats of varnish, both to bring out that beautiful wood grain and make it more durable.
Second, you’ll want some kind of tub to set everything in. Often, miniature greenhouses come with one that is perfectly scaled to fit. Mine didn’t, so I used a sheet of acetate and some packaging tape to form one in the right shape. The edges should be at least ½” high.
Fill the plastic guard with a layer of pebbles, placing the larger stone in the middle. Cover the top of the stones with moss.
Start your mushroom kit according to the directions on the package, then place it on the larger stone. Surround it with fairy lights for an ethereal glow.
Continue taking care of your mushrooms according to their directions. (Mine was to mist them twice a day.) As soon as you see little pins forming on the surface, get ready! The growth happens really fast from here!
Every morning and evening, don’t forget to take a look at your mushrooms and admire how much they have grown! Once the mushrooms are mature but haven’t yet started drying around the edges, they are ready to be eaten. Recipes coming soon!
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Join me for a little winter night magic as we bake this cake full of rich seasonal flavors and black cocoa!