Why this masterclass still surprises experienced growers
Interview with pasteurization expert Orazio Tietto
- Manitaria, Greece
In the heart of a working production facility, one of our experts shares what makes the upcoming Pasteurization Production Course so unique. Orazio Tietto is General Manager of Azienda Agricola in Italy and worldwide consultant on pasteurisation. In this conversation with Mycelia Academy’s director, he dives into hands-on learning, real-world challenges, and why seeing production in action changes everything.
You’ve been working in mushroom production for decades. What excites you most about this course?
Orazio Tietto: What excites me is the interaction. The participants don’t just sit and listen. They bring real challenges: “I face this issue,” or “I’ve seen that happen – why?” And that’s where the course comes alive. It’s a space to troubleshoot, exchange insights, and adapt techniques to real situations.
So, it’s more than just following a fixed program?
Orazio Tietto: Exactly. The structure is flexible because we’re embedded in a working facility. If, on a particular day, they’re preparing straw, we go there. If blocks are being spawned, we stop and observe. That’s the beauty of it – learning unfolds in sync with real production.
You often compare this course to consulting. What do you mean by that?
Orazio Tietto: During a typical consultation, people ask: “How should I set up my factory?” But often, they’ve never actually seen how a large-scale operation works. Here, they do. They walk through the process, see the scale, the machinery, the decision-making points. It’s an experience that fills in the gaps between theory and practice.
Participants will be handling the raw materials, watching production in motion, and making connections to their own work.
What are some of those ‘aha’ moments for participants?
Orazio Tietto:Many come in thinking they know pasteurization, but once we break down the steps – why fermentation happens, how spawn behaves in different conditions – they realize there’s more to it. Even experienced professionals discover gaps in their knowledge. Seeing the difference between tunnel and bunker systems, understanding how to clean machinery properly… These things suddenly become tangible.
What’s the balance between theory and hands-on experience?
Orazio Tietto:We support everything with structured materials – presentations, explanations – but the real learning happens through doing. Participants will be handling the raw materials, watching production in motion, and making connections to their own work. And, of course, they take home detailed notes, slides, and insights that they can refer to later.
If there’s one thing you want people to take away from this course, what is it?
Orazio Tietto:A deeper, clearer understanding of how pasteurization truly works – beyond what they’ve already knew, read or have been told. And confidence. Because once you’ve seen the process firsthand, touched the materials, and asked your own questions, you’re not just following instructions anymore. You understand.
This conversation is a glimpse into what makes the course special - real knowledge, in a real production setting, with experts who thrive on interaction and problem-solving.
What our customers say
I could discuss with many other people of mushroom world and this was of main importance for me.
Another thank you to yourself and all the fine folks at Mycelia Academy for the course. It truly was one of the most insightful weeks of my life and am very excited and confident for this new facility.
Thanks for your lessons, theoretical and practical and a very special thank for being so open and sharing with me your own experience in many interesting talks. This is worth a lot for me and I really appreciate your philosophy of sharing.
Now I know how to reorganize my production flow.
You are truly a world-renowned mentor and inspiration that has touched so many lives with empowering inspiration and courage to follow your passion.
I know with unwavering optimism Mycelia will thrive as your spirit is planted firmly with its conception and expansion – as you enter into a new chapter of your life.
Your legacy will live on – in a world that needs to remain connected to nature’s most incredible life-giving source.
After receiving advice I feel a lot more confident in ensuring the cleanliness and efficiency of my future laboratory. Thank you!
I was really impressed for such a good organization in all areas.
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