Oyster Mushroom
Latin Name: Pleurotus ostreatus and other related species
Other Names: oyster fungus, hiratake
Uses: edible mushroom
What Are Oyster Mushrooms?
Oyster mushrooms are a white, pale grayish-beige, or brown to brownish-black mushroom that gets its name from the shape of its cap, a dead ringer for a freshly shucked oyster (growing from a short, stubby stalk). The mushroom is the fruiting body of a carnivorous fungus that grows on trees (living and dead) and feasts on nematodes (microscopic worms found in almost every type of environment on earth). Oyster mushrooms are in the same fungal family as king oyster mushrooms (Pleurotaceae).
Why Are Oyster Mushrooms Healthy?
- Oyster mushrooms are high in antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which support heart and immune health.
- These are a good source of beta-glucans, soluble fiber that can lower cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels.
- They are high in B vitamins, which boost energy, metabolism, and brain function.
What Do Oyster Mushrooms Taste Like?
Though oyster mushrooms get their name from their shape, they do have a faintly oceanic, briny flavor reminiscent of shellfish. Their texture is tender but also meaty and densely chewy, crisping up nicely when seared or pan-fried (which also intensifies the meaty flavor).
How Do I Use Oyster Mushrooms?
You can certainly cook oyster mushrooms like any other mushroom; add them to chowders, soups, pasta, rice dishes, etc. Thanks to their shape and dense texture, oyster mushrooms are often used as a meat substitute. Try battering and frying them in the style of fried chicken, shredding them for tacos, or pan-frying them to draw out moisture and make them even meatier.
What Do Oyster Mushrooms Pair Well With?
Oyster mushrooms are a natural match for Chinese, Korean, and Japanese foods; they love the dark umami of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. They’re also wonderful with Southeast Asian flavors, like lemongrass, makrut lime leaf, galangal, and coconut milk. Try oyster mushrooms in rich, creamy dishes with lots of black pepper, like cacio e pepe, stroganoff, or chowder. Don’t be afraid to get aggressive with the seasoning—these mushrooms can stand up to a heavy hand with a seafood boil–type spice blend.
Where Do Oyster Mushrooms Grow?
The various species of oyster mushrooms grow on tree trunks in temperate and subtropical woods throughout the world. They’re widely cultivated on wood chips or straw bales. Even yellow and pink species are becoming more readily available outside of their natural ranges, thanks to the recent popularity of mushroom-growing hobby kits.
How Do I Buy Oyster Mushrooms?
Look for oyster mushrooms in the produce aisle of most grocery stores; they’re often sold in Asian, European, and specialty markets. They also appear in gourmet mushroom blends (which are usually packaged with some combination of shiitake, maitake, king oyster, and black trumpet mushrooms). You can also buy oyster mushrooms dried. Though if you leave fresh ones in a paper bag long enough, they will dry out a bit. To prevent this, place a very lightly damp paper towel in the bag with the mushrooms and try to use them up within a week or so.
Surprising Oyster Mushroom Fact
Besides being a choice edible, oyster mushrooms can be used for a variety of industrial purposes, like the production of faux leather for garments, shoes, handbags, and automotive interiors.
