Sterilization

[Marlow6]

I have just completed innoculation of my brown rice cake jars and realized that I did not loosen the lids while steam sterilizing. I am quite dismayed as this represents a lot of work. Should I start over?

[NHMI]

Nope, I don't ever loosen my lids, that doesn't matter, just keep the foil off and you will do go. Make sure you put micropore tape over the innoculation holes. Good job

[Marlow6]

I used duct tape over my holes and stralized for 90 min.

[nacholibre]

in my case I just put an extra layer of tin foil over the first one (the one with the innoculation holes in it), I had no canning jars or anything, just glasses, and had no problem of contamination after putting them in a pressure cooker for 90 mins.

there's never too much precaution with these things though, but I would give it a try and see if the cakes actually do grow some mycelium in it...

[Maximillian1]

I only sterilize mine for 15 minutes at 12 PSI in a pressure cooker and have never had any trouble with contamination. Of course these are only 1/2 pint jars. I imagine the larger ones using rye seed for substrate would need to be sterilized longer. I always loosen the lids during sterilization just to prevent the possibility of the jar cracking under excessive pressure. Of course you have to add the time it takes to get to 12 PSI so overall about 35 to 45 minutes from start to finish.

[NHMI]

you will find you cant steam sterilize grains well enough to avoid getting a PC...

[rastaman]

I have a 1/2 pint jar of grain that has been inoculated. There is mycliem on the inside of the jar however the grain has become one solid mass. Shaking and banging it against something will not break it up. It looks kinda slimy. I am wondering if I could break it up and case it, to fruit? please help.

[The Truth]

I have a 1/2 pint jar of grain that has been inoculated. There is mycliem on the inside of the jar however the grain has become one solid mass. Shaking and banging it against something will not break it up. It looks kinda slimy. I am wondering if I could break it up and case it, to fruit? please help.

Thats just all around too wet.
The grains should be loose in the jars before and after the PC.
Some pre-soak, then just simmer about 30-45 minutes pre-sterilization.
This is how the grains absorb water.
Then drain real good after the simmer . Load jars.
There should be no standing water in the jars ever.
Grains are fully loaded with enough H2O.
When doing grain spawn I would recommend less water as opposed to more.
Gluck