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Abstract: Using byproducts of coffee processing, we sought to develop a complete and effective system for the cultivation of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes). The process would be an efficient way to utilize biomass that otherwise would be discarded, and would represent an economically sound strategy for thousands of coffee growers. Coffee growers in Colombia are mostly low-income peasants, who no longer enjoy the profitability of years past when coffee prices were high and state support was forthcoming. Under controlled laboratory conditions, CENICAFE (main sponsor of the investigation) has achieved biological efficiencies (kg fr. wt. mushroom/kg dry wt. substrate) of up to 75% with a cultivation process that will be described. Although further work is needed in the area of commercialization, this process, if well implemented, should provide a meaningful source of income and nutritional security for many coffee growers.
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