King Oyster Mushroom

Also known asKing Trumpet Mushroom · Eryngii · Pleurotus eryngii · 杏鲍菇

Name: King oyster mushroom, also called king trumpet or eryngii (Pleurotus eryngii) — a large mushroom with a thick, firm, white stem and a small, tan, flat cap. It is the largest species in the oyster mushroom family.

Description

King oyster mushrooms are native to the Mediterranean region, North Africa and Central Asia, where they grow on the roots of plants in the carrot family, and are now cultivated in East Asia, Europe and North America. They have become very popular among chefs for their thick, meaty stems.

The stem has a firm, dense, slightly chewy texture, and a mild, savoury, umami flavour that becomes sweet and nutty when browned. It can be sliced into rounds to mimic scallops, shredded to look like pulled meat, or scored and grilled like steak, which makes it a favourite in vegan cooking.

Main nutrition value

King oyster mushrooms provide B vitamins, potassium, selenium and fibre, plus ergothioneine, an antioxidant found in mushrooms, for few calories.

How best to be consumed

King oyster mushrooms are meaty, and suit high-heat cooking.

1. Slice the stems into thick rounds and sear in a hot pan until golden, for “scallops.”
2. Shred the stems with a fork and cook in sauce for a vegan pulled-meat alternative.
3. Score and grill or roast whole stems with soy, garlic and sesame.
4. Add to stir-fries, noodle dishes and stews.
5. Cook thoroughly, and store in the fridge for up to a week.

Overconsumption could cause…

King oyster mushrooms are safe when cooked.

1. Allergic reactions or digestive upset in some people, and stomach discomfort from the fibre (chitin) and sugars in mushrooms in large servings.
2. Digestive upset from eating mushrooms raw, since cooking breaks down their tough cell walls and destroys natural irritants.
3. Mushroom poisoning from mistaken identification of wild fungi, some of which are deadly and look very similar to edible kinds, so never eat wild mushrooms unless an expert has identified them.
4. A rubbery texture if undercooked.

GroupsMushroomsFungi (mushrooms)Low fatLow sodiumFresh

Related foodsLion's Mane MushroomEnoki MushroomShiitake MushroomOyster MushroomChanterelle MushroomWhite Button Mushroom

Wikipedia — Pleurotus eryngii, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleurotus_eryngii