Blog | Merit Mushrooms

Yellow Oyster, King Oyster and Blue Oyster mushrooms in a punnet

How to Pickle Mushrooms Properly (and Which Types Work Best)

Pickling mushrooms is a simple way to preserve them while adding bright, tangy flavour. However, not all mushrooms pickle well — texture and moisture matter. This guide explains which types work best and how to pickle them safely at home.

Feb 105 min read

Fresh vs Dried Mushrooms: Which to Use and When

Fresh or dried mushrooms? Each brings something different to your cooking. Fresh mushrooms offer moisture and delicate flavour, perfect for quick dishes, while dried mushrooms provide concentrated umami, ideal for broths, sauces, and slow-cooked meals. Here’s how to choose the right one for your recipe.

Feb 96 min read

Lion’s Mane vs Oyster Mushrooms: Which One Should You Try First?

Learn the key differences between Oyster and Lion's Mane mushrooms in flavour, texture, nutrition, and how they cook. Whether you want a meaty, seafood-like mushroom or a mild, versatile option, this quick guide helps you choose the best mushroom to try first and how to enjoy each variety in your kitchen.

Dec 12, 20256 min read

How to Make Your Mushrooms Last Longer: Tips from A Mushroom Grower

Learn how to make your mushrooms last longer with simple, grower-approved storage tips. Discover the best ways to keep fresh mushrooms firm, flavourful, and free from excess moisture. From Shiitake to Oyster mushrooms and Lion's Mane, these proven methods help reduce waste and extend shelf life so you can enjoy better quality mushrooms for longer.

Dec 12, 20257 min read

Christmas Mushroom Grow Kits: Pre-Orders Are Open!

As of 15/12/2025 Christmas Pre-orders are now closed - come back next year in mid-late October! Christmas is in the air and our much loved mushroom grow kits are back with refreshed, elegant pack aging. Whether you are shopping for food lovers, curious beginners, or that hard to buy for friend, a ready to grow kit is a thoughtful, hands-on gift that delivers fresh, gourmet mushrooms at home. Pre-order today and enjoy 10% off! What’s New This Year We have reimagined the pres

Oct 28, 20253 min read

Nameko Mushrooms: Everything You Need to Know

Nameko mushrooms are small, amber coloured mushrooms prized for their gentle savoury flavour and naturally glossy finish in the pan. Chefs value their clean taste, silky texture, and the way they subtly thicken soups and sauces without flour or starch. Although best known in Japanese home cooking, Nameko is steadily winning fans in the UK among curious cooks who want something elegant yet approachable. What We Will Be Covering This guide explains exactly what Nameko is, how t

Mushroom Recipes

Oct 25, 20256 min read

5 Ways To Use Reishi Mushrooms In The Kitchen

Before you begin: flavour, form, and prep Reishi behaves differently from familiar culinary mushrooms. The fruiting body is woody and bitter, so you do not slice it into a frying pan like Oyster or Shiitake. Treat it as a botanical. The most useful formats are dried slices or a very fine powder, and the most useful technique is extraction. Think gentle simmering in water, slow reductions, and careful blending with other flavours. Reishi’s flavour is resinous, tannic, and arom

Mushroom Recipes

Oct 25, 20257 min read

Shiitake Mushrooms: Everything You Need to Know

Shiitake is one of the world’s best loved gourmet mushrooms. It brings a deep, savoury flavour to simple dishes, browns beautifully in the pan, and holds its texture in broths and stews. Whether you are a curious cook or a fungi enthusiast, shiitake offers a rewarding mix of taste, aroma, and versatility. This guide explains what shiitake is, how it is grown, what to look for when buying fresh, and the best ways to store and cook it at home. You will also find straightforward

Grow Your Own Mushrooms

Oct 25, 20257 min read

Reishi Mushrooms: Everything You Need To Know

Reishi is one of the most recognisable mushrooms in the world of functional fungi. The varnished, reddish brown “conks” look more like polished wood than a soft cap, and they have a long history of traditional use. This guide explains what Reishi is, how it is grown, how people typically prepare it and what current research is exploring. Looking to grow your own Reishi or buy it dried ? You can find both in our online store . If you are exploring gourmet mushrooms for everyd

Mushroom Resources

Oct 25, 20257 min read

Oyster Mushrooms: Everything You Need To Know

Oyster mushrooms are one of the most approachable gourmet mushrooms to buy, cook and enjoy at home. They look beautiful, they grow in striking clusters, and they deliver a clean savoury flavour that works in everything from a weekday stir fry to an elegant pasta. If you have seen dramatic shelves of Blue Oyster in a chef’s kitchen, crisp ribbons of Pink Oyster scattered over salad, or golden slices of Black Pearl in ramen, you already know how tempting they are. In this guide

Mushroom Resources

Oct 25, 20258 min read

Lion's Mane Benefits: Why This Unique Mushroom Deserves a Place in Your Diet

If you’re curious about functional foods or looking for natural ways to support your brain and body, Lion’s Mane mushroom is worth your...

Mushroom Resources

Sep 8, 20255 min read

How to Cook Lion’s Mane Mushrooms: 5 Easy Recipes

Lion's Mane mushrooms are fast becoming a favourite in kitchens across the UK. Known for their unique texture and mild flavour, these striking fungi are not only packed with potential health benefits but also incredibly versatile when it comes to cooking. Whether you’re preparing a meat-free meal or simply exploring new gourmet ingredients, these Lion’s Mane recipes are easy, delicious, and sure to impress. Why you can trust us At Merit Mushrooms , we grow and supply fresh Li

Mushroom Recipes

Sep 3, 20254 min read

The Best Mushrooms for Beginners: Easy Varieties to Grow at Home

Growing mushrooms at home has never been more popular, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a fun and sustainable hobby that offers delicious produce and a satisfying connection with nature. Whether you're a foodie, a green-fingered beginner or simply looking for a unique and eco-conscious gift idea, mushroom growing kits are a fantastic place to start. Merit Mushrooms help people take their first step into the world of fungi. We grow all of our gourmet mushrooms in London using n

Grow Your Own Mushrooms

Jul 13, 20256 min read