Michael Davis
Oyster mushrooms, or Pleurotus species, are a group of gilled mushrooms. They are one of the most common types of cultivated mushrooms in the world and are especially popular in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cooking. Oyster mushrooms are a good source of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, and they have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. They are also known for their impressive health-promoting properties. In terms of alkalinity, oyster mushrooms require a slightly alkaline substrate to reduce the risk of contamination. The substrate pH should ideally be between 7.5 and 8.5, with the optimal level being 7.8. This pH level helps suppress the growth of mold and other contaminants. Water with a naturally high pH may already be suitable for oyster mushrooms, but if the water is acidic, it must be alkalized before use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alkaline | Yes |
| Substrate pH range | 7.5–8.5 (ideally 7.8–8.2) |
| pH level for optimal growth | 7.8 |
| pH level for mycelium damage | >9 |
| pH level for mould growth | <7.5 |
| Neutral pH level | 7 |
| Type | Pleurotus species (P. ostreatus) |
| Common names | Oyster mushrooms, pearl oyster mushrooms, tree oyster mushrooms |
| Number of types | 40 |
| Common use | Cooking (stir-fries, soups, stews, sauces, salads, fried, grilled, roasted) |
| Texture | Delicate, velvety, silky, tender, crispy |
| Flavor | Mild, savory, anise, slightly metallic (raw) |
| Health benefits | Good source of fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, beta-glucans |
| Health benefits | May reduce heart disease risk factors (high blood pressure, cholesterol), regulate blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation |
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What You'll Learn
Oyster mushrooms are alkaline
Oyster mushrooms, or Pleurotus species, are a group of gilled mushrooms. They are one of the most common types of cultivated mushrooms in the world. They are also known as pearl oyster mushrooms or tree oyster mushrooms. Oyster mushrooms are eaten in a variety of cuisines and are especially popular in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cooking. They are loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients. They are also a good source of antioxidants, which help reduce cellular damage in the body.
To achieve the desired pH level for oyster mushroom growth, growers add alkaline substances such as lime or soda ash. Lime refers to several calcium-based compounds, including calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) and calcium oxide (CaO). The goal is to raise the pH level to the optimal range of 7.8–8.5. This range is specific to oyster mushrooms, as other mushrooms, such as shiitake, button mushrooms, or lion's mane, require different pH levels.
While oyster mushrooms are alkaline, they are also versatile in cooking. They can be sautéed, stir-fried, braised, roasted, fried, grilled, or even eaten raw. Cooking brings out their delicate, savory flavor, and they take on a tender, velvety texture. Oyster mushrooms are a healthy and tasty addition to any meal.
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Oyster mushrooms are a good source of fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals
Oyster mushrooms, or Pleurotus species, are a group of edible gilled mushrooms with impressive health-promoting properties. They are a good source of fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals, as well as antioxidants.
Oyster mushrooms are loaded with fibre, which is important for digestive health and can help lower cholesterol. They are also a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
In terms of vitamins and minerals, oyster mushrooms contain vitamin D, selenium, and several other important nutrients. They are particularly rich in compounds that benefit heart health, including fibres called beta-glucans. Beta-glucans are fermented by gut bacteria to produce short-chain fatty acids that help reduce cholesterol production. Oyster mushrooms also contain phenolic compounds, including gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and naringenin, which act as antioxidants in the body.
Oyster mushrooms have been linked to improved heart health, with studies suggesting that they may reduce risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. Additionally, oyster mushrooms may help regulate blood sugar levels and have antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Overall, oyster mushrooms are a nutritious food with a variety of potential health benefits. They can be prepared in many ways, including adding them to soups, stews, pasta dishes, and stir-fries.
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Oyster mushrooms can be fried, sautéed, braised, roasted, grilled, or used in soups
Oyster mushrooms are a good source of antioxidants, fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are also low in carbohydrates. Oyster mushrooms can be cooked in a variety of ways and can be fried, sautéed, braised, roasted, grilled, or used in soups.
Fried Oyster Mushrooms
Fried oyster mushrooms are super crispy with a double batter and are easy to make. To make fried oyster mushrooms, first clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Next, prepare the batter by mixing flour and spices in a bowl. In a separate bowl, add some of the flour mixture and water, whisking until a smooth batter forms. Dip each mushroom into the wet batter and then into the dry batter. Repeat this process, ensuring the mushrooms are fully coated. Heat oil in a pot over high heat and carefully fry the mushrooms in batches.
Sautéed Oyster Mushrooms
Sautéed oyster mushrooms are a quick and easy dish that can be served as a side or over pasta. To prepare the mushrooms, gently pat them with a clean towel to absorb any excess moisture. Trim off the hard stem at the base of each mushroom and separate large clusters into bite-sized pieces. Heat oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat and arrange the mushrooms in a single layer. Cook without turning until one side is golden brown and crisp, then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste and toss.
Roasted Oyster Mushrooms
Roasted oyster mushrooms can be marinated in a combination of smoked paprika, soy sauce, garlic, tomato paste, and brown sugar to create a complex, meaty flavour. To prepare the mushrooms for roasting, gently clean them with a damp paper towel and tear them into bite-sized pieces. Thread the mushrooms onto skewers and place in a baking dish with onions and rosemary. Brush the mushrooms with olive oil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven, brush with more olive oil, and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until deep brown and caramelized.
Grilled Oyster Mushrooms
Grilled oyster mushrooms are best prepared with large clusters of freshly harvested mushrooms. Trim the tough stems, but keep the cluster whole. Brush the mushrooms with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the mushrooms over medium-high heat until charred, then flip and brush with sauce. Continue grilling and flipping until the mushrooms are fully cooked, soft, and golden brown.
Oyster Mushroom Soup
Oyster mushroom soup is a brothy, aromatic, vegan dish perfect for cool nights. To make the soup, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and add leeks, celery, garlic, and ginger. Add miso, garlic powder, and onion powder, followed by vegetable broth, water, oyster mushrooms, carrots, bay leaves, lemongrass, tamari, lemon juice, vinegar, and kombu. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 30 minutes. Season with black pepper and serve with scallions, sesame seeds, or red pepper flakes.
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Oyster mushrooms may promote heart health
Oyster mushrooms, or Pleurotus species, are a group of gilled mushrooms that are cultivated in many countries. They are commonly used in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cooking. Oyster mushrooms are a good source of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are also known to provide antioxidants, which help reduce cellular damage in the body.
In addition to their potential heart health benefits, oyster mushrooms may also help regulate blood sugar levels. A study in people with and without type 2 diabetes found that taking powdered oyster mushrooms reduced post-meal blood sugar levels. The authors speculated that the mushrooms increased sugar use in body tissues while inhibiting certain blood sugar-increasing proteins.
Oyster mushrooms are also a good source of antioxidants, which may help protect against cellular damage. A 2020 rat study found that oyster mushroom extract showed antioxidant effects and helped reduce liver damage caused by toxic chemicals. Furthermore, a 2016 test-tube study found that extract from gray oyster mushrooms inhibited oxidative damage to human artery cells and prevented the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Oyster mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be sautéed, stir-fried, braised, roasted, fried, grilled, or added to soups and stews. They have a delicate texture and a mild, savory flavor, making them a popular choice for cooked dishes.
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Oyster mushrooms can be used to make mycelium furniture
Oyster mushrooms require a slightly alkaline substrate to reduce the risk of contamination. The pH level of the substrate should be between 7.5 and 8.5, ideally around 7.8 to 8.2. At this pH level, oyster mushroom mycelium develops well and helps to suppress the growth of mould, which thrives in more acidic environments.
Mycelium is the vegetative, fast-growing reproductive part of a fungus, consisting of a network of fine, white, thread-like hyphae. It has a range of uses, including mushroom cultivation, bioremediation, and the creation of sustainable materials. Oyster mushroom mycelium can be used to grow oyster mushrooms and can also be applied in bioremediation to break down pollutants in the environment. Additionally, it can serve as a raw material for producing sustainable and biodegradable products, such as packaging and insulation panels.
To create mycelium furniture using oyster mushrooms, you can follow these general steps:
- Prepare the substrate: Choose a suitable substrate for oyster mushrooms, such as straw, wood chips, or coffee grounds. Straw is a popular choice due to its availability and nutritional value. The substrate should be sterilized to prevent contamination. This can be achieved through chemical sterilization methods, such as using a lime solution, or physical sterilization by heating the raw materials with steam to destroy mould spores and bacteria.
- Adjust the pH: Maintain the substrate's pH level within the optimal range of 7.8 to 8.2. This can be done by adding alkaline substances such as lime or soda ash. Be cautious when adjusting the pH, as extreme changes can harm the mycelium or attract contaminants.
- Inoculate the substrate: Mix the cooled, sterilized substrate with oyster mushroom mycelium in a sterile environment. Ensure an even distribution of the mycelium throughout the substrate.
- Incubate: Keep the inoculated substrate in a warm, dark place until the mycelium has completely colonized it. Monitor the colonisation process regularly.
- Trigger fruiting: Once the substrate is fully colonized, move it to a location with indirect light and higher humidity.
- Maintenance: Maintain a moist and well-ventilated environment to support the growth of oyster mushrooms. Regularly inspect the substrate for signs of contamination or improper growth, and take corrective action as necessary.
While the above steps focus on cultivating oyster mushrooms, the mycelium itself can also be used to create furniture. Mycelium can be grown on cardboard, providing a space for it to spread and develop. By sterilizing the cardboard and spreading tiny pieces of oyster mushrooms in layers, the mycelium will grow and colonize the cardboard. This process can be repeated to create a mycelium "material" that can potentially be used for furniture production, although further processing and experimentation may be required.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, oyster mushrooms are alkaline. They are often consumed by the alkaline vegan community.
Oyster mushrooms are a good source of antioxidants, fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are also low in carbohydrates.
Oyster mushrooms grow naturally on and near trees in temperate and subtropical forests worldwide. They are also cultivated in greenhouses.
Oyster mushrooms can be cooked in a variety of ways, including sautéing, stir-frying, braising, roasting, frying, and grilling. They can also be eaten raw, but they have a slightly metallic flavor when uncooked.
