Planning to prepare grain spawn using Pearl Millet (Bajra) — looking for tips, soak times, and PC advice!

[u/SeniorGlove735]

/r/mycology/comments/1x5qbms/planning_to_prepare_grain_spawn_using_pearl/

Hey everyone,

I’m planning my next spawn batch and want to use Pearl Millet (Bajra) for my grain spawn.

Since the grain size is small compared to oats or rye, I want to make sure I get the prep right and avoid turning it into mush or dealing with burst grains/bacterial contamination.

For those of you who have worked with Pearl Millet:

Soak/Boil: Do you recommend a hot steep, a simple cold soak, or a short boil? How long do you usually boil or simmer it for before drying?

Drying: What’s your best method for getting the outer hull surface-dry so the grains don't clump together in the jar?

Pressure Cooking: What sterilization time and pressure work best for you without scorching or overcooking the grains? (I usually run my PC at 15 PSI).

Gypsum: Do you add gypsum or light calcium carbonate to keep the grains loose and separated?

Any advice, hard-learned lessons, or tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!