Oyster mushrooms are an immortal culinary classic. Despite the intense competition with champignons, they are still in demand and loved in many countries around the world. They are actively grown in Asia, Europe and even Africa. The main advantages of this type of mushroom are its bright taste, high nutritional value and availability. There is no need to buy them in the store. Fortunately, it is not difficult to meet these beauties in the forest.
How to recognize?
The appearance of the mushroom is quite modest, but nevertheless memorable. This representative of the mushroom kingdom has a gray-white, dark gray, brown, and purple color. The shade will depend on the type of individual and where it grows.
FOOTNOTE: Some mushroom pickers call this species an oyster or a fan because of its characteristic shape.
The cap is weighty, fleshy, smooth and shiny. When touched, it does not press in and does not change shape. The edges of the cap of a young mushroom are slightly bent inward. In mature specimens they become almost even. A small indentation may form at the top of the hat. The diameter of oyster mushroom caps can reach impressive sizes - up to 30 centimeters.
FOOTNOTE: As a rule, larger specimens have hard and dry flesh. Their use for food is undesirable. It is best to collect medium-sized individuals - from 10 to 20 centimeters.
The cap gradually turns into a leg. In its structure it is less fleshy, dense and low. It has an irregular cylindrical shape. Maximum dimensions can reach 30 millimeters.
FOOTNOTE: The species has a neutral odor. Sometimes mushroom pickers note a slightly aniseed or rye aroma.
Another distinctive feature of the specimen is the peculiarity of its growth. The species grows in colonies, merging at the base. Thanks to this, lovers of quiet hunting can cut up to several kilograms of fresh product at a time.
Florida oyster mushroom
Florida oyster mushroom (
Pleuros Florida) has a cap with a diameter of 10-20 cm, the shape of which is semicircular or funnel-shaped. Long legs 2-5 cm, thickness 1-2 cm, eccentric or central. The pulp has a pleasant smell and is white. It differs from the oyster mushroom in the light color of its fruiting bodies and less fleshy body. Homeland - North America. In the Caucasus it is grown on beech wood. With intensive cultivation, it requires higher temperatures than oyster mushroom. The Florida oyster mushroom is a geographical race of the common oyster mushroom, and therefore is not an independent species.
Florida oyster mushroom – Pleuros Florida photo
Where do they grow?
Novice mushroom pickers especially love to collect this type of mushroom, since it can be found almost everywhere, namely:
- Broad-leaved forests.
- Parks.
- Plains.
- Edges of roads.
- Mountain landscape.
- Coniferous forests (rare).
You can find the desired trophy on dried trees or stumps. This species especially loves poplar and mulberry.
Often the mushroom climbs to a considerable height from the ground. Lovers of quiet hunting sometimes have to get creative to get to their cherished goal.
The species begins to bear fruit from September to the end of November. If the weather is favorable, the season may last until early December.
Short description
Mushrooms belong to the Pleurotaceae family.
They develop on dead plant debris of woody origin.
Cellulose is necessary for their growth and nutrition, so they settle on fallen trees or old stumps next to honey mushrooms.
They are found naturally throughout Europe in temperate climates, in forests and agricultural areas.
They grow in clusters, several in one “socket”. They are inconspicuous in appearance and, usually, no one pays attention to them, mistaking them for an inedible mushroom.
Oyster mushroom has a false brother , which has poisonous properties and is dangerous to health.
The poisonous oyster mushroom is distinguished by a denser, leathery cap, but it is rare, so there is no need to worry.
Composition and beneficial properties
Fans of mushroom dishes can say with confidence that oyster mushrooms are an incredibly nutritious and satisfying product. Despite the fact that the composition of the species is closer to vegetables than to meat, its value for humans is colossal. The beneficial properties include high nutritional value and the ability to completely cover the need for carbohydrates and minerals if you include mushroom pulp in your daily menu.
Composition of oyster mushrooms
It is worth highlighting the composition separately. It is rich and varied.
Vitamins:
- A.
- B1.
- B2.
- B3.
- Pantothenic acid.
- Folic acid.
- Choline.
- Calciferol.
- C.
- PP.
- Polyunsaturated acids.
Macronutrients:
- Calcium.
- Phosphorus.
- Potassium.
- Sodium.
- Cobalt.
Many people do not know how much oyster mushrooms they can eat per day to maintain good health. Doctors recommend consuming no more than 200 grams per day.
Microelements:
- Manganese.
- Iron.
- Zinc.
- Selenium.
- Copper.
Oyster mushrooms contain statin substances. Their regular intake into the human body reduces cholesterol levels naturally. The product can be an excellent addition to the main treatment for diseases of the thyroid, pancreas, and liver.
Contents of BJU (proteins, fats, carbohydrates) per 100 grams of finished product:
- Proteins – 3.3 grams.
- Fats – 0.4 grams.
- Carbohydrates – 3.8 grams.
KBJU (calories) of oyster mushrooms – 33 kcal per 100 grams of finished product.
The nutritional value of the product is quite high. That is why the mushroom is especially often used in vegetarian cuisine.
How are oyster mushrooms beneficial for the human body?
The benefits of these mushrooms are often underestimated.
- Contain more than 20 types of amino acids.
- They have antiviral and bactericidal properties.
- Lower blood pressure.
- Improve metabolism.
- Helps with helminthiasis.
- Normalize blood sugar levels.
- Slow down the development of atherosclerosis.
- Helps improve vision.
Chitin contained in the fruiting body is difficult to digest. The product is recommended to be eaten in crushed form.
In medicine
Due to the presence of amino acids and beneficial microelements in oyster mushrooms, the mushroom is actively used in medicine. Among the beneficial properties are improved immune defense of the body, normalization of blood pressure, and a positive effect on the liver.
The mushroom is recommended for diseases such as:
- Gout. In case of this disease, the consumption of mushrooms is contraindicated. But oyster mushroom is an exception. The product can be consumed stewed and not too often.
- Diabetes. Regular consumption of mushrooms is beneficial for diabetes. Oyster mushroom helps reduce the amount of glucose in the body, has a positive effect on diastolic pressure and normalizes weight.
- Gastritis. You cannot eat the mushroom itself if you have gastritis. But its juice is recommended as an excellent therapeutic agent for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
For diabetes mellitus, oyster mushroom can be used both as part of dishes and as a tincture.
Recipes for medicines with mushrooms
All Purpose Mushroom Powder
As already mentioned, oyster mushroom can, if not cure, then improve the condition of many diseases. Even a single dose of 1 tbsp. l. Mushroom powder for a month will normalize cholesterol levels and serve as a good prevention of diseases related to oncology.
It's quite easy to prepare it at home. The mushrooms are sorted, wiped with a damp cloth (it is not recommended to wash them before drying), and the stems are separated from the caps. Dry these parts separately. The caps are placed in one layer on sheets or strung on metal wire (you can use skewers instead); large ones are cut into several pieces to speed up the process. The legs are crushed into rings.
The oven is heated to 40° and the sheets with mushrooms are placed there. After letting them dry a little, raise the temperature to 60° and dry for 7–12 hours. During this time, the raw materials are removed from the oven several times and allowed to air. The entire process may take several days.
Properly cooked oyster mushrooms bend a little, break with a little effort and have the smell of fresh mushrooms. To make the powder, use a mortar or coffee grinder. The smaller the particle size, the faster and easier it will be absorbed. Store the product in tightly closed glass jars.
It can be used not only for medicinal, but also for preventive purposes. To do this, add 1 tsp. in prepared meals 3 times a day. In addition, the powder will serve as an excellent aromatic addition to first courses or will be an excellent base for sauce.
Mushroom powder can be used both as a seasoning and for medicinal purposes.
Juice for gastritis
You can get rid of the symptoms of gastritis if you drink 1 tbsp every day for 2 weeks before meals. l. squeezed oyster mushroom juice.
Tincture for mastopathy
- 600 g oyster mushrooms;
- 1 liter of vodka.
The mushrooms are finely chopped, placed in a dark glass container and filled with vodka. For 10 days, put everything in a dark place and, without filtering, take 1 tbsp once a day. l. before eating. When the liquid runs out, pour 300 ml of vodka over the remaining oyster mushrooms, leave again for 10 days and continue treatment.
At the first sign of a runny nose and sore throat, this remedy can also be instilled into the nose.
Remedy for neurosis and heart disease
- 3 tbsp. l. chopped oyster mushrooms;
- 0.5 l Cahors.
Harm
Artificially grown mushrooms are practically safe. The thing is that their growth is controlled very strictly and fully complies with the standards. Such individuals are hypoallergenic and do not contain toxins or harmful substances. But if the specimens were collected in the forest, they must be used very carefully.
Oyster mushrooms collected in the immediate vicinity of highways and hazardous industries can cause harm. They absorb toxins and hazardous chemicals, so their harm to the body can be simply colossal. In this case, poisoning is guaranteed for the person.
The product should not be taken by those who suffer from pathologies such as:
- Allergy. The product contains a large number of trace elements, each of which can lead to an allergic reaction. This is dangerous for anyone with hypersensitivity.
- Gastrointestinal diseases. The product contains a large amount of mushroom fiber. It takes a long time to digest. This forces the gastrointestinal tract to work at full strength, and a large amount of gastric juice is released. This can lead to exacerbation of gastritis, ulcers, heaviness in the epigastric region and heartburn.
- Kidney failure. The product can retain fluid and lead to swelling.
A frequent question is: can pregnant women use the product? Doctors recommend abstaining from heavy foods. But in small quantities, dishes made from this mushroom will not harm.
Do you eat raw oyster mushrooms?
Oyster mushroom is one of the few mushrooms that can be consumed raw. It tastes like chicken, so it complements vegetable salads perfectly.
There will be benefits from raw mushroom, provided that it is grown in a clean ecological zone far from industrial facilities. They eat only the caps, since the stems taste like rubber and contain a small amount of useful substances.
Is it possible for children?
Full consumption of mushrooms is not recommended for preschool children. The product is heavy and high in calories, it can lead to intestinal upset and nausea in the baby. In general, you can give oyster mushrooms to a child from 2 years of age. In this case, the serving should be no more than half a teaspoon. Pediatricians give the following recommendations:
- Do not feed this product to children under 2 years of age. The child's body is simply not able to absorb large amounts of microelements and protein. This applies to all types of mushrooms. Even a small piece of the fruiting body can cause harm.
- From the age of two you can use the product. The main thing is that it is environmentally friendly and not heavily seasoned or salted. You can eat no more than 2 pieces of mushroom and no more than once a week.
- Mushroom soup can be given to children from 5 years old.
- From 6-7 years old, a child can be treated to casseroles and pies. Portions should still be small.
- Starting from 10-11 years old, a child can eat oyster mushrooms until he is completely saturated. At this age, the body can cope with fried and stewed dishes made from this product.
By following these simple rules, parents can be sure that oyster mushrooms will not harm the health of their baby.
Pink oyster mushroom
Pink oyster mushroom
(
Pleuros Djamor) has characteristic differences - the fruit body is pink, the flesh is tender, and it grows in clumps. Pink oyster mushroom is found naturally in the subtropics and tropics. Cultivated on corn cobs, cotton waste, fermented straw. Biological effectiveness is 75-100%. The favorable temperature for the formation of primordia is 18-25°C, for fruiting - 20-30°C. The length of the waves between fruiting is 7-10 days.
Pink oyster mushroom – Pleuros Djamor photo
How to cook?
You can prepare many dishes from oyster mushrooms. This product perfectly complements soups, can be part of a sauce or add a touch of pleasant aroma to the filling of pies or dumplings. Oyster mushrooms can also be frozen. To do this you need to take several steps:
- Rinse the grapes well under running water.
- Cut off and discard the base. It is usually very tough even after boiling.
- Chop the mushrooms. The pieces must be large enough, as they will shrink after cooking.
- Boil the preparations in salted water with allspice.
- Cool and divide into small containers.
It is better to divide the workpiece into several small portions. It is very comfortable. This way you won’t need to defrost the entire bag in order to take 100 grams of product for soup or other dishes.
Let's fry
Frying a mushroom is the most appetizing and fastest way to prepare it. Oyster mushrooms fried in a frying pan can complement absolutely any culinary masterpiece.
Cooking method
- Wash, peel and cut the product.
- Place it in a frying pan with a small amount of vegetable oil. It is important not to overdo it, as mushrooms that have absorbed the oil become very difficult for the stomach. And besides, all their taste charm is immediately lost.
- Fry over low heat for 5 minutes.
- After the oyster mushrooms have given a lot of juice, you can add salt and season them with spices. Cover with a lid and wait for the moisture to evaporate.
The resulting preparation can be seasoned with cream or sour cream. It can be used for soups and warm salads.
Cooking soup
We already have fried mushrooms ready. You can use them to prepare a flavorful and very satisfying dish - creamy soup.
Compound
- Oyster mushroom – 150 grams.
- Potatoes – 4 pieces.
- Hard cheese – 100 grams.
- Broth – 2 liters.
- Bulb.
- Fresh greens.
- Salt and spices.
Cooking method
- Add diced potatoes to the broth and place over low heat. Add salt.
- When the potatoes become soft, add pre-fried oyster mushrooms to the soup.
- Peel the onion, rinse and add to the broth. No need to chop the onion.
- Add spices.
- Cook the soup with potatoes, onions and mushrooms for 5 minutes.
- When the broth boils, remove and discard the onion. Add finely chopped greens.
- After 5 minutes, add 100 grams of grated cheese. Cook for 3 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the soup brew.
Croutons will be an excellent addition to the dish. You can make them yourself.
What to pay attention to
Before use, you need to know the specifics of using oyster mushrooms.
- First, the mushrooms are sorted and inspected for the presence of foreign bodies and stains. Their color should be uniform, bluish or gray, without sharp transitions to other shades. It should also be the same consistency, with no suspicious soft or hard areas that differ from the main part of the mushroom.
- Before heat treatment, mushrooms must be washed and cut into small pieces. It is not recommended to cook a whole mushroom.
- Mushrooms release moisture on their own when fried or baked, so there is no need to boil them first. It is enough to add vegetable oil to the frying pan in the proportion of 100 g of oil per 500 g of mushrooms.
- Fry the mushrooms until the liquid in the pan has completely evaporated. The process time is at least 30 minutes.
- Spices or hot seasonings that will interrupt the pleasant aroma of mushrooms are not recommended. In this case, greens will do.
- Combining mushrooms with seafood and fish is not recommended.
