Liquid Culture Recipe Calculator
Mix Your Liquid Culture
Calculate sugar and water amounts for any jar size and sugar source.
ml
%
20g
Sugar Amount
14.3ml
Sugar by Volume
Water: 486gSugar: 14g
Water Volume486ml
Sterilization20-30 min at 15 PSI
Syringe Yield~33syringes
Note: Do not over-sterilize liquid culture. Excessive heat caramelizes sugars, turning the solution dark and reducing nutrient availability. Stick to 20-30 minutes at 15 PSI for best results.
Results are estimates. Actual values vary by genetics, technique, and environment.
When to Use This Calculator
Use this calculator when making liquid culture from scratch, scaling LC recipes up or down for different jar sizes, or comparing sugar sources to find what works best for your species. Liquid culture is the most cost-effective way to expand mycelium — a single jar can produce enough inoculant for dozens of grain bags, making it essential for anyone growing beyond a hobby scale.
Tips for Best Results
- •Honey is the cheapest and most forgiving sugar source for liquid culture. It is widely available, dissolves easily, and works well for nearly every gourmet species.
- •Never sterilize liquid culture for longer than 30 minutes at 15 PSI. Excessive heat caramelizes the sugars, turning the solution dark brown and reducing nutrient availability for the mycelium.
- •Always test your liquid culture on agar plates before using it to inoculate grain. This confirms the culture is clean and viable, saving you from contaminating an entire batch of grain with a bad LC jar.
- •One healthy jar of liquid culture can fill 20-30 syringes, each capable of inoculating a grain bag. This makes LC the most economical way to scale your operation from a single culture.
- •Store finished liquid culture in the refrigerator at 2-4°C for long-term viability. Properly stored LC can remain viable for several months, giving you a ready supply of inoculant whenever you need it.