Support
Frequently asked questions.
Everything you need to know about growing, storing, and cooking Hoplite Farm mushrooms.
Growing & care
- How do I get my fruiting block to actually fruit?
- Cut or fold back the bag where indicated, mist the exposed surface a few times a day, and keep it somewhere with indirect light and regular fresh air exchange -- a kitchen counter away from direct sun works for most people. Pins typically show up within 3-10 days once conditions are right. Full step-by-step instructions ship with every block and are also in the Learn section.
- How many flushes will I get from one block?
- Most healthy blocks give 2-3 flushes before yield drops off meaningfully, spaced roughly one to two weeks apart with a short rest in between. Total yield and flush count vary by species and how consistently humidity and fresh air exchange are maintained.
- It's been over a week and nothing is happening. What's wrong?
- The most common causes are too little fresh air exchange (pins need CO2 to drop, not just humidity) or a spot that's too warm or too dark. Try moving the block somewhere with more airflow and indirect light before assuming the block itself is the problem -- a stalled fruiting environment is far more common than a failed block.
- Do I need a humidity tent or special equipment?
- No special equipment is required for most home setups -- misting by hand a few times a day is enough for a single block on a counter. A humidity tent or tub helps if your home air is very dry, or if you're running several blocks at once and want more consistent results.
Ordering & shipping
- How is shipping calculated?
- Shipping is calculated at checkout from the real weight of what's in your cart and your delivery address -- you'll see the exact carrier, service, and cost before you pay, and can choose between whatever options are available for your order.
- Is it safe to ship a living product like a fruiting block?
- Yes -- blocks and spawn are sealed and shipped in a way that keeps them stable for a short transit window, which is also why we ship close to home rather than nationwide right now (more on that in our News section). If a product arrives in poor condition, contact us -- see our Refund Policy for how that's handled.
- What if my order arrives damaged or doesn't perform?
- Reach out through the Contact page with your order number and a description (photos help). Our full Refund Policy covers exactly what's eligible and how it's resolved.
- Can I change or cancel my order after placing it?
- Contact us as soon as possible after ordering -- if it hasn't shipped yet, we can usually accommodate a change or cancellation. Once an order has shipped, our Refund Policy governs next steps.
- Do you offer wholesale or bulk pricing?
- We're open to wholesale conversations as capacity allows. Reach out through the Contact page with what you're looking for and expected volume.
Storage & food safety
- How should I store fresh mushrooms after harvest?
- Keep them in the refrigerator in a paper bag or a container lined with a paper towel, not sealed plastic -- mushrooms need to breathe, and trapped moisture speeds up spoilage. Most fresh gourmet mushrooms keep well for about a week this way. Avoid washing them until just before you cook.
- Can I freeze mushrooms for later?
- Yes, but cook them first -- sauté or roast until most of the moisture has cooked off, then cool and freeze. Raw mushrooms frozen directly turn watery and rubbery once thawed.
- How can I tell if a mushroom has gone bad?
- Sliminess, a strong ammonia-like smell, or visible mold (fuzzy discoloration, not the mushroom's natural texture) all mean it's time to toss it. Slight darkening or a bit of moisture loss is normal and not a safety concern on its own.
- Do I need to wash mushrooms before cooking?
- A light wipe or quick rinse right before cooking is enough -- mushrooms are mostly water already, and soaking them waterlogs the texture. Skip washing entirely until you're ready to cook.