Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus)
There are over 40 species of oyster mushrooms and most are edible.
The Pleurotus is a mushroom that has a cone-shaped cap that can
measure up to 15 centimetres in diameter. It can vary in colour
from white to cream, to light yellow and sometimes rust. The
Pleurotus mushroom has a short stalk on one side and a smooth, bare
oyster-like cap. It tends to fan out over other mushrooms.
Regardless of its delicate appearance, the flesh of the oyster mushroom is white and crunchy and its taste is sweet and fragrant. Choose small oyster mushrooms that are somewhat closed; larger mushrooms tend to harden as they age.
The oyster mushroom grows on dead wood or organic matter like straw or tree bark, which explains why it does not have to be cleaned before use. The oyster mushroom should never be served raw.
Regardless of its delicate appearance, the flesh of the oyster mushroom is white and crunchy and its taste is sweet and fragrant. Choose small oyster mushrooms that are somewhat closed; larger mushrooms tend to harden as they age.
The oyster mushroom grows on dead wood or organic matter like straw or tree bark, which explains why it does not have to be cleaned before use. The oyster mushroom should never be served raw.
- Look for firm, dry oyster mushrooms with smooth caps and uniform colour. They should be free of spots and show no sign of spoilage.
- Cultivated oyster mushrooms are generally clean and require no washing.
- Oyster mushrooms should always be cooked, never served raw.
- To cook, cut off stalks and slice caps. They can be fried, grilled, stewed or oven-baked. Keep in mind that, like all mushrooms, they will shrink when cooked.
- Oyster mushrooms are particularly good in slow-cooked casseroles and with pasta, their large lamellae generously filling with sauce. They are also excellent in rice dishes, cream soups, omelettes and other sauces.
 Red Grill Angus ribs roast with Pan-fried Oyters Mushrooms |
 Potato and Mushroom Tacos |
 Skillet-browned Pork Chops with Oyster Mushroom Ragout and Pomegranate Syrup |
 Vegetable Quiche with Cheeses From Here |
 Elk Venison Roast with Oyster Mushrooms |
Click here and discover all our delicious oyster mushroom recipes !
Cultivated oyster mushrooms are available year-round in METRO
supermarkets.
Though low in energy, the oyster mushroom is a good source of
potassium.
Oyster mushrooms are highly perishable and should be eaten as soon as possible after purchase. Wrapped in a cloth or paper towels, the mushrooms will keep for up to two days in the refrigerator.