King Oyster Mushrooms

The king oyster mushroom, aptly named for its impressive size and regal bearing, is a popular culinary and medicinal fungus.

Characteristics

Characteristics of King Oyster Mushrooms

The cap ranges from light tan to brown, while the stem is a stark white.

The cap starts off convex but flattens with age, resembling a large oyster or trumpet. The stem is thick and meaty.

True to its name, the king oyster is the largest in its genus, with caps reaching up to 20 cm /  8 inches wide and stems up to 25 cm / 10 inches long. A single mushroom can weigh over  400 grams/ 1 pound!

Thick, white, and firm, the stem contributes significantly to the meaty texture and umami flavor. Refer to MUSHROOM STEMS below for more information.

King oysters have a relatively long shelf life of up to 10 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.

Mild and slightly nutty when raw, the king oyster transforms into a savory delight when cooked, boasting a rich umami taste reminiscent of seafood or meat.

Dense and meaty, with a satisfying chew, making it an excellent meat substitute.

Faintly mushroomy with a hint of earthiness.

Firm, unblemished and healthy looking mushrooms make the best choice while purchasing.

They will keep up to seven days when stored in a dry place such as a paper bag in the refrigerator.

You can wrap the oyster mushrooms in a damp (not wet) paper towel before putting it in the paper bag. (This stops them from drying out). Keep the mushrooms at the bottom of the fridge with the other veggies where it isn’t as cold as in the rest of the fridge.

Mushrooms tend to release moisture, which both paper bags and paper towels can absorb with ease, preventing them from going bad.

Remember don’t store your fresh mushrooms in airtight containers. This causes condensation, which will turn the mushrooms soggy.

Organically & sustainably cultivated oyster mushrooms should not need washing. Gently clean each mushroom with a damp cloth. If you have a lot of oyster mushrooms you can rinse them, but be careful not to rinse for too long as they can become water logged which will dilute the flavour.

You can eat oyster mushrooms raw if it is what you prefer. It is certainly faster and more convenient to eat mushrooms raw instead of having to cook them. Raw mushrooms are less soft and tend to have a more spongy texture than their cooked counterparts.  A much stronger and earthier taste than cooked mushrooms is also characteristic of raw mushrooms.

Note that the cell walls of mushrooms contain chitin (the same material found in the shells of crabs and lobsters) – making raw mushrooms difficult for humans to digest and extract nutrients from.

Even though the chitin, glucans, and proteins present in the cell wall, are a good source of dietary fiber when eaten raw – you do miss out on the added nutrition mushrooms offer when cooked.

Mushrooms also contain sugars that are difficult to digest. Therefore, eating mushrooms can cause gas because the small intestine does not fully digest these sugars. Instead, it undergoes fermentation in the large intestine.

Some mushroom stems are very good to eat, and in certain species, like king oysters and enoki mushrooms, the stem is the most desired part of the mushroom.  Chanterelle, black trumpet, porcini, cremini, chestnut, portabella, and white button mushrooms also have delicious stems that are good to eat.

Mushroom stems have the same delicious flavor as the caps, but are often not as tender as they’re high in fiber. This characteristic makes them useful for flavoring soups and broths as you can cook them for longer than mushroom caps.

If you find the stems a little chewy for your taste, chop or slice them thinly and fry or cook slightly longer than the caps.

Shred them for a pulled-pork-like texture or slice them thick for meaty steaks.

All types of mushrooms are healthier and more nutritious when cooked. Cooking mushrooms helps to significantly increase the content of polyphenols and antioxidants. Avoid boiling mushrooms, as some of the nutrients of the mushroom will leach out into the water. It also results in your mushrooms having a more soggy texture.

It is best not to overcook oyster mushrooms as this can make them tough and rubbery.

Versatile and delicious, king oysters can be grilled, roasted, sautéed, stir-fried, or even used in soups and stews. Shred them for a pulled-pork-like texture or slice them thick for meaty steaks.

Preserving fresh mushrooms will extend the shelf life and expand the flavor profile. Some methods preserve the mushroom’s original taste and texture, but others change the consistency and flavor.

Preserve your fresh mushrooms to allow you to enjoy the nutritional and medicinal benefits for longer.

Nutrition

Nutritional Value of King Oyster Mushrooms

Note that mushroom research is active, and nutritional information can vary by species and even within the same variety. For the most accurate info and safe consumption, consult a registered dietitian or qualified healthcare professional familiar with medicinal mushrooms.

King oyster mushrooms possess potential medicinal properties, including immune-boosting and anti-tumor effects. Research is ongoing in this area. Here’s a breakdown of their nutritional value per 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of raw pink oyster mushrooms:

  • CALORIES: 33 / 2% of Daily Value
  • FAT: 0.2 grams / 1% of Daily Value
  • CARBOHYDRATES: 5.4 grams / 2% of Daily Value
  • FIBER: 2.6 grams / 10% of Daily Value
  • PROTEIN: 3.1 grams / 6% of Daily Value
  • SUGAR: 4.2 g / 5% of Daily Value
  • VITAMIN B1 / THIAMIN: 0.1 mg / 8% of Daily Value
  • VITAMIN B2 / RIBOFLAVIN: 0.4 mg / 24% of Daily Value
  • VITAMIN B3 / NIACIN: 2.9 mg / 15% of Daily Value
  • VITAMIN B5 / PANTOTHENIC ACID: 1.1mg /11% of Daily Value
  • VITAMIN B6: 0.1 mg / 5% of Daily Value
  • COPPER: 0.3 mg / 13% of Daily Value
  • POTASSIUM: 3.68 mg / 8% of Daily Value
  • PHOSPHORUS: 139 mg / 14% of Daily Value
  • SELENIUM: 13.4 mcg / 24% of Daily Value
  • In addition to the above, oyster mushrooms also contain smaller amounts of other nutrients, including vitamin D, selenium, and choline.
  • Overall, oyster mushrooms are a low-calorie, low-fat, and nutrient-rich food that can be a healthy addition to your diet.
Medicinal

Medicinal Value of King Oyster Mushrooms

It is important to remember that research on medicinal properties is still ongoing, and the extent of their benefits may vary depending on individual factors. Consulting a healthcare professional before incorporating them into your diet for medicinal purposes is crucial.

  • Immune System Support: King oyster mushrooms contain polysaccharides, a type of fiber that can stimulate the immune system by activating immune cells like macrophages and natural killer cells. These cells help defend the body against infections and diseases.
  • Cholesterol Reduction: Studies suggest that king oyster mushrooms may help lower cholesterol levels. They contain lovastatin, a compound similar to prescription cholesterol-lowering drugs, and beta-glucans, which can bind to cholesterol in the gut and prevent its absorption.
  • Anti-Cancer Potential: Early research indicates that king oyster mushrooms may have anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that they can inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cells in test-tube studies. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings in humans.
  • Anti-Inflammatory Effects: King oyster mushrooms contain antioxidants and other compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to various health problems, including heart disease, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Other Potential Benefits: Some studies suggest that king oyster mushrooms may also have benefits for blood sugar control, gut health, and cognitive function. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Enjoy mushrooms as part of a healthy diet, but consult a professional for guidance on their medicinal use.

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