The Mush-Boom Process

Grown to boom

For mushrooms to thrive, they need carefully controlled growing conditions. So we provide just that, taking care of the entire process – from the spawn that sparks it all, and the nutrient-rich compost growing mushrooms need to excel, right through to the gentlest harvesting, packing and distribution. This is how we consistently supply the very best quality mushrooms to Aussie families, all within 24 hours of harvest!

White and brown mushrooms are Australia’s most common varieties, but they’re basically the same mushroom, harvested at different stages. Mushrooms double in size every 24 hours!

Homegrown heroes

You’ll find our mushroom enthusiasts right across the country, working tirelessly to create a year-round supply of fresh, Australian-grown mushrooms for everyone to enjoy. In their hands, mushies never stop growing, and neither does our commitment to nourishing Aussie families with the very best produce there is.

The Mush-Boom Process

Preparing Compost
Step 01

Preparing Compost

Costa makes its own premium compost for the mushrooms to feed on. Our quality, nutrient-enriched substrate takes about 20 days to mature. Each of our farms have their own composting facility.

Spawn Manufacture (Mushroom Seed)
Step 02

Spawn Manufacture (Mushroom Seed)

Spawn is essential to growing quality mushrooms. Amycel (licensed) spawn is manufactured our Mernda production facility and distributed to all of our farms

Tray Filling
Step 03

Tray Filling

Mushrooms trays are filled with our premium Compost in preparation for growing.

Spawn Run
Step 04

Spawn Run

The growing trays are then ready for spawn. We add spawn to the compost substrate and water it for around 16 days until the root system develops. This is called mycelium which is like an underground root system.

Pasteurisation
Step 05

Pasteurisation

Compost filled growing trays are sent to pasteurisation. Pasteurisation is a 7-day process which cleanses the compost in preparation for planting of mushroom spawn.

Casing Layer
Step 06

Casing Layer

Now, the growing trays are ready for a casing layer (peat) to be added. Peat is added as it retains water promoting mushrooms growth.

Growing
Step 07

Growing

Nurtured in temperature controlled growing rooms (between 18-25), it takes about 9 days for the mushrooms to break through the peat. Crops are nurtured daily for quality. We grow button, cup and flat mushrooms in both white and brown varieties.

Harvesting
Step 08

Harvesting

Mushrooms are carefully hand-picked and graded for quality and size. These are only handled once during harvesting to reduce bruising and maintain quality. Within 60 minutes of harvest mushrooms are cooled to 1-4 degrees through a vac chill process which helps to maintain optimal quality. Each crop has a harvesting window of around 20-29 days.

Pre-packing
Step 09

Pre-packing

Mushrooms are quality checked, weighted, wrapped and labelled ready to fill daily orders.

Loose Mushroom
Step 10

Loose Mushroom

Mushrooms that are sold loose are hand-picked directly into their carton, graded for quality at harvest and sent directly to the warehouse ready to fill daily orders.

Despatch
Step 11

Despatch

Orders are consolidated onsite and despatched to our customers within 24 hours of harvest.