<h2>How to Inoculate and Colonize a Sterilized Grain Bag</h2> <h2>Inoculation Steps</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Wait 1 week</strong> after delivery before inoculating to confirm the bag wasn’t contaminated during shipping.</li> <li>Choose a clean, draft-free location. Wipe down surfaces with 70% isopropyl alcohol.</li> <li>Wear sterile latex or nitrile gloves. Wash hands thoroughly.</li> <li>Shake your spore or culture syringe to evenly distribute contents.</li> <li>Sanitize the injection port with alcohol.</li> <li>Inject <strong>2.5–5cc</strong> of spore or liquid culture solution into the bag. Avoid using the entire 10cc syringe to prevent excess moisture and pooling.</li> </ul> <h2>Colonization</h2> <ul> <li>Store bag in a <strong>cool (55–75°F)</strong>, dark place out of direct sunlight.</li> <li>Within 1–2 weeks, white mycelium should begin spreading from the injection site.</li> <li>When growth is about 3–4 inches wide, <strong>gently break up and mix the colonized grain</strong> by massaging the bag (do not open it).</li> <li>This helps speed up full colonization.</li> <li>Colonization is complete when the entire bag is white. This may take <strong>2–4 weeks or more</strong>, depending on the species and culture strength.</li> </ul> <h2>Storage Before Inoculation</h2> <ul> <li>Keep bags at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.</li> <li>No refrigeration is required.</li> <li>They can be stored <strong>for several months</strong> if not yet inoculated.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Tip:</strong> Always monitor for contamination (foul smell, discoloration). If contamination is visible, discard the bag safely.</p>
