Spawn preparation: The sawdust of Eucalyptus sp. (80%) and rice bran (20%) was used for the
spawn preparation. The moisture level of the mixture was adjusted at 60% (YANG 1986) and filled in
the glass jar (500 ml). After autoclaving at 121 C for one h, the medium was inoculated with the bits
of mycelia (one disc of one-cm dia.) from the PDA slants and incubated at 24 C in the dark. The
spawn in the jars was ready for inoculating the substrate after 30 days of growth.
Solid state cultivation (SSC): The raw coffee husk and spent-ground (sun dried) were obtained from
the local mills. These were moistened with water (60%), generally 4–5 h before autoclaving. The
substrate (100 g, dry wt. basis) was filled in plastic bag of 20 35 cm size and autoclaved at 121 C
for 1.5 h. The mouth of the plastic bags was closed using cotton plug and thread. The substrates were
inoculated with the spawn (10%), mixed thoroughly and incubated in the dark at 24 C. Mycelial
development in the bag was observed and noted each day. Every five days, three bags were removed
and analysed for protein and fibre contents.