Signs of maturity
The first sign that your mushrooms should be harvested is a change in color. As they reach maximum maturity, their vibrant color will start to fade and become duller. This is a natural process and is nothing to be concerned about. In fact, it's a good indication that your mushrooms are ready to be picked.
Another sign of maturity is the completion of fruit body formation and the beginning of spore dispersal. This means that the mushrooms have reached their full size and are no longer growing. At this point, they are considered fully mature and are ready to be harvested.
Harvesting and using mushrooms
Once your mushrooms have reached maturity, it's important to harvest them as soon as possible. This is because aging has begun and the mushrooms will start to deteriorate if left on the Pod for too long.
Conclusion
In summary, the vibrancy of a mushroom's color fading and the completion of fruit body formation are signs that it has reached maximum maturity and is ready to be harvested. Remember to harvest your mushrooms as soon as possible and use them in your cooking for the best flavor and freshness.