The 1901 Cookbook Archive
No. 4013 — Cultivating Champignons
English historical translation of Molokhovets recipe No. 4013 from the 1901 Russian cookbook, retaining original methods and measures.
Dig a trench ¾ arshin deep and as wide as desired. Fill level with horse manure and cover with ¼ arshin black soil.
Take champignons with roots and soil attached, chop coarsely and scatter them over the bed. Cover with about three finger-widths soil.
The author says small raised mounds appear after three weeks, indicating mushroom growth.
After harvesting, she recommends scattering chopped remaining bases over the bed again to keep the culture productive.
A separate modern editorial addition in the Russian digital edition points to an agricultural extension bulletin on commercial champignon production.
Historical editorial note: The mushroom-growing claims are historical; unpasteurised manure and unidentified mushrooms carry modern hygiene and safety concerns. The bulletin is an editorial addition, not part of the historic recipe.
Original source: Read Russian recipe No. 4013. Historical quantities and terminology are retained. See the measurements guide. Period preparation and storage methods are not modern safety guidance.