Anyway, I'm kind of getting of subject here. I still feel that if a mushroom from a contaminated cake/casing looks healthy, and there's no contam touching or growing on the mushroom, its safe to eat it. I really don't believe that toxins can permeate a mycelium network and contaminate a mushroom on the other side of the cake/casing. I think you would have to eat the toxin(mold, bacteria) itself, before there's any danger.

Bottom line, IMO, if it looks normal, eat it. The only reason to take a little extra precation when home cultivating, is because of the unusual and dangerous contaminants that show up in our jars. In the wild, cubensis grow from cow dung. Cow dung does become infected with molds and bateria, but because it isn't as nutritious as say BRF, alot of the more dangerous molds will never show up in dung. Its because of our tendencies to use highly nutrious grains as substrate, that we have so many problems with contamination. Then we fruit this highly nutritious medium in a well humidified and stable eniviroment. Giving various molds a perfect atomosphere to thrive in.

The wild doens't provide these conditions in a cow field, therefore contamination is less likely to surive and isn't an issue with people who pick wild mushrooms.

The Lizard,

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" If we have the right fulcrum point, we can move the world."

-Archimedes

read the contaminants section in TMC sometime, taking note of toxicity. Most of the common contams are not considered toxic. Green Forrest Mold, Penicillum, Cobweb, Bacterial Blotch.....not none to be toxic.

But, a lot of the species in there are toxic. A yellow version of green mold can cause blindness. A version of one of them is actually where anthrax came from. One causes botulism, and is one of the most toxic naturally occuring poisons in the world.

So, if it's a common contam, it shouldn't be a problem. But if you don't know, don't eat.

Most people don't know, so don't tell them to eat. But help them educate themselves. Tell them to buy TMC and check each contam out before risking it.

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-From a registered Mad Scientist

"From a certain point of view"
-Jedi Master Obiwan Kenobi (also a Mad Scientist tm)

VisitThe Donkey!-just behave

The Lizard,

anyways....wheres a good place to buy this "The Mushroom Cultivator" book I've heard so much about?

But seriously, contams don't scare me personally but I wouldn't like the idea lurking in the back of my head if one of my friends suddenly freaks out on something they got from me. Of course if you inform them of that possibilty and they go into it with all the facts, then no worries. Heh. I wouldn't mind if i'm doing them but I hate throwing anything away anyways. Let conscience be your guide.

-snarf

Yes, it is entirely possible for very poisonous toxins (the contams themselves, or their excrement) to occur during mushroom cultivation. At all stages from spores to drying. If you don't know, it's probably not worth it in my mind.

Many of the most common contams are safe, which is why I suggest you get the book, so you don't waste your only trip that took two months to contaminat...er grow.

Yes, many people have reported getting sick off of contams. Yes many people have called bullshit on this. One fact of the matter is that POISONS CAN AND DO show up during mushroom cultivation. Nobody can deny that.
Why risk it unless you know better?
Why revel in your ignorance when knowledge is bought and sold for $35 a copy?
(Used knowledge is even cheaper and a great way to recycle!)

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-From a registered Mad Scientist

"From a certain point of view"
-Jedi Master Obiwan Kenobi (also a Mad Scientist tm)

VisitThe Donkey!-just behave

I found my copy in a head shop for $29.95... I'm sure you could find it online too.

-The iMJ

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-snarf

I'd like to bring up the subject about contams during drying or storage. Will desiccant in drying and storage eliminate the chance for these?