All mushrooms are little nutritional powerhouses, and oyster mushrooms are no different. They’re packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, and are beneficial for heart health, the immune system, blood sugar regulation. There’s even some evidence to indicate that they have anti-cancer properties. Let’s find out more!
What are Oyster Mushrooms?
Oyster mushrooms, scientific name Pleurotus ostreatus, are a popular type of edible fungi. The most common ones are white or gray, but some varieties are yellow or pink. The gills underneath the cap are white or cream-colored and run down the stem.
They have a subtle, savory flavor which is enhanced by cooking. Some people say they their flavor is slightly reminiscent of oysters, but I don’t detect that myself. Another school of thought is that they get their name from the slight resemblance to oyster shells, which seems more probable to me.
Oyster mushrooms don’t show up in the stores as regularly as baby bella mushrooms, but they’re common enough that you should have no trouble getting your hands on some. Wild oyster mushrooms are more plentiful in winter, but they are cultivated and grown all year round. You should be able to enjoy them whatever the season.
What Are the Health Benefits of Oyster Mushrooms?
Oyster mushrooms contain beta-glucans, statins, and other compounds that inhibit cholesterol synthesis and absorption, making them good for heart health.
Additionally, they are rich in gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, ergothioneine, all of which are antioxidants that help reduce cellular damage and may protect against various diseases.
Some research even shows them to have a positive effect on blood sugar levels, lowering the risk of type-2 diabetes, and the glycoproteins and polysaccharides present in oyster mushrooms is a natural boost to the body’s anti-cancer response.
How to Cook Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are very versatile, and there are many things you can do with them. Like all mushrooms, they absorb a lot of water, so it’s best not to get them too wet. When preparing them, wipe clean gently with a damp cloth, rather than rinsing or soaking in water.
They have a great affinity with garlic and parsley, and also with classically Asian flavors, like ginger and soy sauce.
Here are 5 ways to cook oyster mushrooms, and my favorite recipes including them.
1. Grilled Oyster Mushrooms
Grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor, as well as caramelising the mushrooms at the edges, making them slightly crunchy. This recipe marinates the mushrooms in balsamic before skewering and grilling on the barbecue.
Recipe by: Fresh Roots Market
2. Roasted Oyster Mushrooms
Roasted with garlic and thyme, these oyster mushrooms are designed to be tossed with pasta and a little cream. But they really are so good you can just eat them straight off the baking tray.
Recipe by: Kitchen Skip
3. Oyster Mushroom Shwarma
This vegan recipe is one of the best replacements I know for meat. The recipe stacks the mushrooms up on a stick, then slices them to stuff inside pita bread. Delicious!
Recipe by: The Edgy Veg
4. Oyster Mushroom Stir-Fry
It’s no secret that I love stir-fries, and this is one of my favorites. Oyster mushrooms are sautéed with ginger, soy, and scallions, for a wonderful Asian flair.
Recipe by: China Sichuan Food
5. Oyster Mushroom Salad
With rucola and parmesan, this warm mushroom salad takes everything to the next level! The oyster mushrooms are tossed in panko breadcrumbs before frying, for an unbelievably crunchy and delicious result.
Recipe by: Holistic Foodie
And more
Looking for more mushroom how-to guides? Have a look at one of these:
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