• Rhizo Funga Nameko (Pholiota Microspora) Grain Spawn
  • 4T-Inj Unicorn Bag labeled Nameko (Pholiota Microspora) with hand holding Liquid Culture syringe inoculating Sterilized Grain for Nameko (Pholiota Microspora) Grain Spawn with white background.
  • Close-up of a cluster of Nameko (Pholiota Microspora) mushrooms on a white background
1 3

Nameko (Pholiota Microspora) Grain Spawn

$25.00 USD
$30.00 USD $25.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Nameko is a popular mushroom in Japanese cuisine, easily recognized by its amber to golden-brown cap and natural gelatinous coating. This slightly slimy texture gives a silky mouthfeel, especially in soups like miso or hot pot. It has a mild, nutty flavor and is known to contain immune-supporting beta-glucans. The gelatinous layer serves to retain moisture and is prized for culinary texture rather than avoided.

View full details
Hand holding up partially colonized Shiitake Whole Oat Grain Spawn in a 4T-INJ Unicorn bag with a white background.

About Our Grain Spawn

Built on the same Unicorn 4T-INJ bag platform as our sterilized grain, this spawn is inoculated to order with low-passage, agar-verified culture for clean, vigorous growth. Because it’s freshly inoculated, the bag will arrive partially colonized—or colonization may become visible within a few days, depending on species and shipping conditions. Hydration and gas exchange are tuned for fast, even colonization.

Shop Sterilized Grain

Grow Guide

Pholiota Microspora
Nameko is well known in Japanese cooking. It is famous for a glossy, gelatinous cap layer that helps thicken soups and broths.

Caps tend to be amber to orange brown. Flavor is rich and umami once cooked.

Best fit if you want a unique culinary mushroom that customers remember. Run it on hardwood substrates. Keep humidity high during fruiting to protect the cap surface.

Requires a cold shock to induce fruiting; very sensitive to dry conditions during pinning.Cool fruiting. Needs constant humidity. Caps can be sticky.
  • Culinary
  • Hardwood pellets or sawdust
  • Hardwood supplemented w/ bran
  • Hardwood Logs
  • Indoor
  • Outdoor
  • Top-Fruiting
500-1000 lux or indirect light; 12 hours on, 12 hours off; Avoid strong direct light
  • Intermediate

Compounds Identified in Pholiota Microspora

Every strain carries its own chemical signature. These are the compounds found in this species — documented in the scientific literature for anyone who wants to dig deeper.

3 Active Compounds

  • Beta glucans and polysaccharides

    Known Benefits

    • Immune modulation via pattern recognition receptors including Dectin-1. Supports innate immune signaling and downstream adaptive responses. Often studied for immune resilience and inflammation balancing.

  • Ergosterol

    Known Benefits

    • Provitamin D2 precursor in mushrooms. Converts to vitamin D2 with UV exposure. Also reported antioxidant and anti inflammatory activities in reviews.

  • Phenolics and polyphenols

    Known Benefits

    • Antioxidant and anti inflammatory actions. Often linked to improved oxidative stress markers and to gut microbiome interactions that may influence metabolic and cardiovascular health.

Frequently Asked Questions

While other methods may work, we prioritize quality and consistency. We utilize a thorough clean, soak, heat, and strain method that fully prepares the grain before sterilization. This additional effort results in a more consistent, high-quality grain that optimizes mycelium colonization and ensures stronger, healthier growth.
We only use the industry standard Unicorn Bags. 3 pound bags use 4T-INJ Bags and the 5 pound bags use a 3T. Both Include a 0.2-micron filter patch for controlled airflow and a secure injection port, facilitating easy inoculation with liquid cultures or spore syringes.
Colonization rates upon receipt will vary based on variety, transit time and temperature. Grains are Inoculated to order, so in most cases you will see visible mycelial growth upon receipt, but it's possible this will not occur until a couple days after. This depends on species and temperatures the grain spawn is exposed to during transit.
Keep in a cool, dark place during and after colonization. Once the bag reaches ~25% colonization, perform a gentle break and shake to redistribute mycelium and speed completion. Avoid opening until fully colonized and ready to expand into your substrate.