>>2612948>preparation>Phase 1, Prep>need: a knife, pot of tap water for boilingBrush out bugs, rotten pieces, and dirt, but there isn't a need to be overly fastidious at this point since everything gets boiled and strained later. Avoid soaking the mushroom at this point since you might lose psychoactive compounds. Cut off and discard bottom of the stipe that is covered in dirt. Separate the cap from the stipe for ease of prep. Cube the cap into 1/2" or smaller pieces and slice the stipe into rings. You want to have small enough pieces that water can get in and wash out the water-soluble psychoactive compounds but not so small that it turns to porridge during boiling.
Most people just use the caps since usually only the caps are sold and the stipes contain less active chemicals, but you should use the stipes if you have them. There is anecdotal evidence of compounds present only in the stipe that provide an entourage effect during the trip.
>Phase 2, Boiling and Straining>need: cheesecloth, mesh strainer for straining, second vessel to strain material intoThrow your cut-up material in a pot with enough water to cover the mushrooms. Don't add too much water since you will either have to boil it off or drink it all later. Boil the mushrooms in the water for at least 30 minutes.
At this point, the active compounds will be in the water, so that is what you are aiming to save, but there is also still a ton of water within the mushroom material holding your actives hostage. Put your cheesecloth in your strainer, the strainer over a second pot, and pour your mushrooms and water in. Let most of the water drain into the pot. After it stops draining, gather up the cheesecloth and squeeze as much water as you possibly can out of the mushroom. Any water left in the mushroom is wasted potential.
