Can the Back to the Roots best mushroom grow kit 50109 deliver on its reviews?

Description

A Fun and Unique Way to Grow Mushrooms Indoors

I never thought I’d become someone who grows mushrooms in their kitchen, but after using this mushroom-growing kit, I might just be hooked. The Back to the Roots Organic Mushroom Grow Kit delivers a mix of practicality and fun, making it an excellent choice for foodies, gardening enthusiasts, or anyone looking for an eco-friendly hobby. I tested the kit extensively, and while it has its strengths, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Easy Setup and Instructions

The kit arrives with clear instructions and includes everything you need—no extra purchases required. Setting it up was incredibly straightforward. All I had to do was cut the plastic film, soak the substrate block overnight, and mist it daily with the included sprayer. Even for someone with a black thumb like me, the process was simple. I left the kit on my windowsill, where it received indirect sunlight, and within a few days, I could see small mushrooms starting to sprout.

Rapid Growth and Harvest

These mushrooms grow fast. One day they were little pins, and the next, they had doubled in size. It was a fascinating process to observe. From setup to harvest, it took about 10 days, just as the packaging promised. The first crop yielded around three servings of mushrooms, which were perfect for a stir-fry. After the first harvest, I flipped the block around to grow a second crop. While the second yield was slightly smaller, it was still satisfying.

Flavor and Quality

The mushrooms themselves were delicious. The pink oyster mushrooms had a slightly nutty flavor, while the pearl variety was more delicate and savory. Freshly harvested mushrooms have a taste and texture that’s hard to compare to store-bought ones. I used mine in a risotto, and my family couldn’t stop raving about the dish.

Pros

• Eco-Friendly and Organic: Knowing that the kit is GMO-free and organic made me feel better about what I was consuming.
• Educational and Fun: My kids loved watching the mushrooms grow, and it became a mini science project for them.
• Compact Design: The kit is small enough to fit on a windowsill, making it ideal for apartment living.

Cons

• Climate Sensitivity: I noticed that the mushrooms grew better in the humid months. During winter, the block dried out quickly, even with regular misting.
• Yield Size: While fun, the yields were modest—don’t expect to replace grocery store purchases with this kit.
• Inconsistency: One block grew beautifully, but the other had some issues with mold despite following the instructions to the letter.

Comparison to Competitors

Compared to North Spore’s mushroom kits, this product feels more beginner-friendly. North Spore kits often require additional steps like using humidifiers or creating a grow tent, which can be intimidating for newcomers. However, North Spore tends to deliver larger yields and more consistent results. Another competitor, Mushroom Adventures, offers a similar product but doesn’t include a mister, leaving you to figure out the watering process on your own. Back to the Roots stands out for its simplicity and user-friendly approach, even if it sacrifices some yield.

Cost Analysis and Value for Money

Considering the fun factor and the quality of the mushrooms, I’d say this kit is worth the investment for hobbyists or those new to mushroom growing. However, if you’re looking to grow mushrooms in larger quantities or for regular cooking, you might find the cost per serving a bit high compared to buying mushrooms at the market. Still, the experience of growing your own food and the educational value makes it more than just a product—it’s an activity.

Additional information