What's the best way to sterilise your grain spawn jars?

QUESTION:

What's the best way to sterilise your grain spawn jars without using the pressure cooker? And it's the only way to sterilise what can I do in order to not make the jars break


ANSWER:

Sterilizing your grain spawn jars without a pressure cooker can be a challenge, as it's important to eliminate any bacteria or fungi that might compete with your intended mushroom culture.

Here are a few methods you can try:

Boiling: This is a common method used for sterilizing small batches of grain spawn jars. Simply fill a large pot with water, place the jars inside, and bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, lower the heat and let the jars simmer for about 60-90 minutes. Keep an eye on the water level to make sure it doesn't boil dry. After sterilization, allow the jars to cool before inoculating.

Oven: Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) and place the jars inside on a baking sheet. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until the grain inside the jars has been sterilized. This method requires a bit of trial and error to determine the exact time and temperature needed for your specific oven.

Microwave: While not as reliable as the previous methods, you can also try sterilizing your grain spawn jars in the microwave. First, fill the jars with your grain and water mixture, but leave the lid slightly loose to allow steam to escape. Microwave on high for 10-15 minutes, or until the grain has been sterilized. Be sure to let the jars cool down before tightening the lid and inoculating.

It's important to note that none of these methods will guarantee complete sterilization, and there is always a risk of contamination. Using a pressure cooker remains the most effective way to sterilize your grain spawn jars.