How to Sterilize Rye Berries With an Autoclave

Growing mushrooms at home is economical and produces a healthy source of the fungi. Mushrooms require warm temperatures, moisture and humidity, the inoculate -- which is the fungal spores -- and a growing medium. The growing medium is called the substrate and is usually a grain because it provides the nutrients and sugars necessary for the production of fungi. Rye berries make an excellent substrate because they do not clump and they provide all the necessary nutrients. They must be sterilized before use to prevent introducing naturally occurring molds and fungi strains which would contaminate your crop.

Rye berries
Quart mason jars
Distilled water
Drill and 1/4 inch bit
Lid and ring
Synthetic filter discs
Scissors
Foil
Hot pads or tongs

Instructions

- 1
  Wash the mason jars in hot soapy water or in a dishwasher. Allow them to air dry completely.
- 2
  Fill the mason jars 1/4 full with the rye berries. Add distilled water to about 1 inch above the level of the berries in the jar.
- 3
  Use a drill with a 1/4 inch drill bit to make a small hole in the lids for the mason jars. This will keep them from blowing up in the autoclave.
- 4
  Place a synthetic filter disc on top of the wet berries. You may have to trim them to fit. Lay the disc on top of the berries until it contacts the entire surface of the contents.
- 5
  Place a sealing lid and a ring on each jar and tighten. Top with a piece of foil lightly sealed around the edges. Place the jars in the autoclave and set it to 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes. Remove the jars with hot pads or tongs and let them cool naturally.

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