Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing an organic material, which multiplies through a process of germination, wherein the method is aimed at increasing growth of the material and reducing the period necessary for harvesting the same. In particular, the method, which includes a two-stage fermentation process, comprises the steps of preparing a starter nutrient medium; adding a starter culture of an organic bacterial fungus to the nutrient medium; permitting the mixture of nutrient medium and fungus culture to undergo a first stage fermentation process; transferring the mixture to a fermentation container; and allowing the mixture to undergo a second stage fermentation process until the organic material has germinated fully. The invention also extends to the use of this material in a number of applications, and in particular in fire extinguishing, fire prevention applications and as a general thermal barrier.