{"product_id":"pre-poured-sterilized-black-mea-agar-plates-10-pack","title":"Pre-Poured Sterilized BLACK MEA Agar Plates (10-Pack)","description":"\u003c!-- ============================================================\n     BLACK MEA 10-PACK — PRODUCT DESCRIPTION BODY\n     Paste into: Product admin \u003e Description field \u003e HTML source view (\u003c \u003e)\n     Replaces the entire existing description.\n     - All CSS scoped under #mgk-black10 (no theme\/global collisions)\n     - \u003cstrong\u003e swapped for \u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003e (lighter weight, no theme bold issues)\n     - Chloramphenicol bullet + asterisk footnote removed\n     - \"Learn More\" link repointed to the 2026 agar guide\n     - rel=\"noopener\" added to YouTube link\n     - 100mm dish references corrected to 90mm (matches the rest of the line)\n     - Second (lab workflow) video kept at the bottom\n     ============================================================ --\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mgk-black10\"\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n@keyframes mgkFadeInSoft {\n  from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(10px); }\n  to { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }\n}\n#mgk-black10 .b { font-weight: 600; }\n#mgk-black10 .fade-in-video {\n  animation: mgkFadeInSoft 1.2s ease-out forwards;\n  opacity: 0;\n}\n\n\/* Video wrapper *\/\n#mgk-black10 .video-wrap {\n  max-width: 650px;\n  margin: 28px auto;\n}\n#mgk-black10 .video-shell {\n  position: relative;\n  overflow: hidden;\n  border-radius: 10px;\n  box-shadow: 0 10px 28px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);\n}\n#mgk-black10 .video-shell video {\n  display: block;\n  width: 100%;\n  height: auto;\n}\n#mgk-black10 .video-caption {\n  font-size: 14px;\n  opacity: 0.85;\n  margin: 8px auto 0;\n  max-width: 650px;\n}\n\n\/* Comparison Section *\/\n#mgk-black10 .compare-wrap { margin: 10px 0 0; }\n#mgk-black10 .compare-table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; text-align: left; }\n#mgk-black10 .compare-table th,\n#mgk-black10 .compare-table td { padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; vertical-align: top; }\n#mgk-black10 .compare-table thead tr { background: #f5f5f5; }\n#mgk-black10 .compare-table td,\n#mgk-black10 .compare-table th { white-space: normal; word-break: normal; overflow-wrap: anywhere; }\n#mgk-black10 .compare-table .highlight-row { background: #fffbe6; }\n\n#mgk-black10 .compare-cards { display: none; }\n\n@media (max-width: 750px) {\n  #mgk-black10 .compare-table-desktop { display: none; }\n  #mgk-black10 .compare-cards { display: block; }\n  #mgk-black10 .compare-card {\n    border: 1px solid #e6e6e6;\n    border-radius: 10px;\n    padding: 14px;\n    margin: 12px 0;\n    box-shadow: 0 6px 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);\n    background: #fff;\n  }\n  #mgk-black10 .compare-card h3 {\n    margin: 0 0 8px;\n    font-size: 16px;\n    line-height: 1.25;\n  }\n  #mgk-black10 .compare-row {\n    display: flex;\n    gap: 12px;\n    padding: 8px 0;\n    border-top: 1px solid #f0f0f0;\n  }\n  #mgk-black10 .compare-row:first-of-type { border-top: none; }\n  #mgk-black10 .compare-label {\n    flex: 0 0 45%;\n    font-weight: 600;\n    color: #333;\n  }\n  #mgk-black10 .compare-value {\n    flex: 1;\n    color: #333;\n  }\n  #mgk-black10 .highlight-card { background: #fffbe6; border-color: #f2e6a6; }\n}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003ePre-Poured Sterilized BLACK MEA Agar Plates (10-Pack)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eFreshly Poured Daily · Carbon-Rich · Maximum Contrast for Mycelium Evaluation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- 360° VIDEO (TOP) --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"video-wrap fade-in-video\"\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"video-shell\"\u003e\n    \u003cvideo autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"\" playsinline=\"\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\n      \u003csource src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/videos\/c\/o\/v\/d597653be1684a679d84d3e3aff3585d.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\"\u003e\u003c\/video\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"video-caption\"\u003e360° view: bright white mycelium against deep black MEA for optimal contrast and sector visibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTake your culture work to the next level with \u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eMyco Labs Black MEA Agar Plates\u003c\/span\u003e. Specially formulated with activated carbon, these 90mm plates provide exceptional visual contrast—making white or light-colored mycelium stand out clearly against a deep black background.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePoured fresh daily in a clean-room workflow and sealed for protection, Black MEA plates make it easier to observe morphology, detect early contamination, and isolate your strongest genetics with confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat’s Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003e(10) Sterilized BLACK MEA Agar Plates\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003e90mm Polystyrene Petri Dishes\u003c\/span\u003e – durable, lab-grade clarity\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eCarbon-infused MEA formula\u003c\/span\u003e for enhanced visibility\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Choose Black Agar Plates?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eMaximum Contrast\u003c\/span\u003e – white mycelium pops against the dark surface\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eImproved Sector Identification\u003c\/span\u003e – easier to see growth edges and isolate clean transfers\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eCarbon-Enriched Formula\u003c\/span\u003e – activated carbon may help reduce bacterial spread\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eMachine Poured \u0026amp; Pressure Sterilized\u003c\/span\u003e for consistency and reliability\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eStorage:\u003c\/span\u003e refrigerate and use within \u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003e3–4 weeks\u003c\/span\u003e for peak performance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Is Black Agar \u0026amp; Why Use It?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack agar is a nutrient-rich malt extract medium infused with activated carbon, giving it its dark appearance. It serves three primary purposes in mushroom culture work:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eContrast:\u003c\/span\u003e Makes white\/light mycelium highly visible.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eClarity:\u003c\/span\u003e Helps identify morphology, sectoring, and pigmentation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eCleaner Evaluation:\u003c\/span\u003e Easier detection of subtle contamination or mixed growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSimply place a small drop of spore solution, tissue, or liquid culture onto the plate and incubate. Once growth appears, transfer a clean wedge to grain jars, spawn bags, or liquid culture for expansion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhich Agar Plate Should I Choose?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach agar type serves a specific purpose in your workflow. Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"compare-wrap\"\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- Desktop Table --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"compare-table-desktop\" style=\"overflow-x:auto;\"\u003e\n    \u003ctable class=\"compare-table\"\u003e\n      \u003cthead\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003cth\u003eAgar Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n          \u003cth\u003eBest For\u003c\/th\u003e\n          \u003cth\u003eWhy Growers Use It\u003c\/th\u003e\n          \u003cth\u003eRecommended Stage\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003c\/thead\u003e\n      \u003ctbody\u003e\n        \u003ctr class=\"highlight-row\"\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eBlack MEA\u003c\/span\u003e (This Listing)\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eHigh contrast evaluation\u003c\/span\u003e, isolation, showcase plates\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eDark background makes sectors and edges easier to see\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eAny stage (ideal for detailed evaluation)\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eRegular LME \/ MEA\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eSpore germination, first plates, contamination checks\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eReliable baseline media for early-stage culture work\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eStart here → first transfer\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eRapid Rhizo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003e2nd \u0026amp; 3rd transfers, aggressive sector isolation\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eEncourages strong rhizomorphic, threadlike growth\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eAfter clean-up → final transfers\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eManure-Enriched \/ Conditioning Agar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003ePerformance testing, conditioning for bulk substrates\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eTests genetics on richer, supplemented nutrition\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eMid-to-late stage\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n    \u003c\/table\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- Mobile Cards --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"compare-cards\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"compare-card highlight-card\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3\u003eBlack MEA (This Listing)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"compare-row\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"compare-label\"\u003eBest For\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"compare-value\"\u003eHigh contrast, sector evaluation, showcase plates\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"compare-row\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"compare-label\"\u003eWhy\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"compare-value\"\u003eDark background makes growth details pop\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"compare-row\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"compare-label\"\u003eStage\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"compare-value\"\u003eAny stage\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"compare-card\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3\u003eRegular LME \/ MEA\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"compare-row\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"compare-label\"\u003eBest For\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"compare-value\"\u003eSpore germination, first plates\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"compare-row\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"compare-label\"\u003eWhy\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"compare-value\"\u003eBaseline media for early evaluation\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"compare-row\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"compare-label\"\u003eStage\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"compare-value\"\u003eStart → first transfer\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"compare-card\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3\u003eRapid Rhizo\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"compare-row\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"compare-label\"\u003eBest For\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"compare-value\"\u003e2nd\/3rd transfers\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"compare-row\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"compare-label\"\u003eWhy\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"compare-value\"\u003eEncourages aggressive threadlike growth\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"compare-row\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"compare-label\"\u003eStage\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"compare-value\"\u003eAfter clean-up\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"compare-card\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3\u003eManure-Enriched \/ Conditioning Agar\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"compare-row\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"compare-label\"\u003eBest For\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"compare-value\"\u003ePerformance testing\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"compare-row\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"compare-label\"\u003eWhy\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"compare-value\"\u003eEvaluates genetics on supplemented media\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"compare-row\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"compare-label\"\u003eStage\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"compare-value\"\u003eMid-to-late\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eLab Precision in Every Plate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll of our agar plates are machine-poured for unmatched consistency and sterility:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eMixed and sterilized\u003c\/span\u003e at \u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003e18 PSI for 30 minutes\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003ePoured at ~145°F\u003c\/span\u003e with precise \u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003e25ml per plate\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eUV-C sanitized\u003c\/span\u003e, capped, and laser-labeled\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur automated MediaFill workflow ensures uniform volume, cleanliness, and quality—every single time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSee How Our Black Agar Plates Are Made\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatch our clean-room workflow and automated agar pouring system in action—from sterilization to precision filling. This is the same controlled process used for every Black MEA plate we produce.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- LAB VIDEO (BOTTOM) --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"video-wrap fade-in-video\"\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"video-shell\"\u003e\n    \u003cvideo autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"\" playsinline=\"\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\n      \u003csource src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/videos\/c\/o\/v\/5dc49b5b892a4ecea484fdde060693d8.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\"\u003e\u003c\/video\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"video-caption\"\u003eBehind the scenes: MediaPrep sterilization, precision fills, UV-C sanitization, and clean-room workflow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eLearn More About Working with Agar\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.midwestgrowkits.com\/blogs\/blog-1-growing-101-more\/how-to-use-agar-plates-for-mushroom-cultivation-2026-guide\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eRead our blog about using agar plates here\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=pnnOoNtJwG8\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"b\"\u003eWatch video on using agar and agar slants here\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Midwest Grow Kits","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44595535052903,"sku":"AGB","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0690\/3699\/8759\/files\/Black_Agar_carbon_10_pack_white_background_web.jpg?v=1789057560","url":"https:\/\/fernprairiemycosupplies.com\/products\/pre-poured-sterilized-black-mea-agar-plates-10-pack","provider":"Fern Prairie Myco Supplies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}