
Oyster mushrooms and trumpet mushrooms are often confused with each other, and while they are from the same botanical genus, Pleurotus, they are different species. Oyster mushrooms, or Pleurotus ostreatus, have short stems and fan-shaped caps, whereas trumpet mushrooms, or Pleurotus eryngii, are much larger, nearly cylindrical, and smooth. Trumpet mushrooms are also known as king oyster mushrooms, king trumpet mushrooms, French horn mushrooms, king brown mushrooms, boletus of the steppes, trumpet royale, and aliʻi oyster. They are native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, and are also cultivated in Asia, where they are used in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cuisines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Oyster mushrooms: Pleurotus ostreatus. King oyster/trumpet mushrooms: Pleurotus eryngii |
| Common names | Oyster mushrooms: Abalone, boletus of the steppes, oyster, trumpet royale, aliʻi oyster. King oyster/trumpet mushrooms: King trumpet mushroom, French horn mushroom, king oyster mushroom, king brown mushroom |
| Origin | Oyster mushrooms: N/A King oyster/trumpet mushrooms: Mediterranean regions of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa |
| Texture | Oyster mushrooms: Delicate. King oyster/trumpet mushrooms: Dense, chewy, meaty |
| Taste | Oyster mushrooms: Sweet. King oyster/trumpet mushrooms: Savory, nutty, earthy, woody, umami |
| Nutrition | Oyster mushrooms: N/A King oyster/trumpet mushrooms: High in protein, dietary fiber, potassium, B vitamins, and antioxidants |
| Ease of growth | Oyster mushrooms: Easier to grow. King oyster/trumpet mushrooms: Harder to grow |
| Use cases | Oyster mushrooms: Good for recipes requiring long cooking times. King oyster/trumpet mushrooms: Good for grilling, pressure cooking, and other methods without risk of mushiness |
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What You'll Learn
- King oyster mushrooms are native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa
- King trumpet mushrooms are harder to grow than oyster or lion's mane mushrooms
- Oyster mushrooms have a delicate, almost sweet flavour
- King oyster mushrooms are prized for their meaty texture, versatility, and visual appeal
- King trumpet mushrooms are good for vegetarian and vegan diets

King oyster mushrooms are native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa
Oyster mushrooms and trumpet mushrooms are part of the same oyster mushroom family. The oyster mushroom genus, Pleurotus, includes the oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus and the king oyster mushroom Pleurotus eryngii, also known as the king trumpet mushroom.
King oyster mushrooms are native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. They are also grown in many parts of Asia. The mushroom is widely cultivated and has a good shelf life. It is commercially produced, constituting 30% of the Korean edible mushroom market. It is commonly used as a meat substitute in vegan recipes.
King oyster mushrooms are characterised by their distinctive trumpet-like shape, with a brown cap and a white stem that can grow to be 6 to 8 inches long and up to 2 inches wide. They are the largest species in the oyster mushroom genus. They are also known as French Horn mushrooms, King Eryngii, and Royal Trumpet.
King oyster mushrooms are typically grown in specially designed rooms or warehouses that manage temperature, carbon dioxide, and humidity conditions. They grow best on a substrate of hardwood sawdust, straw, corn cob, or sugarcane mulch. The ideal temperature for their growth is between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity levels above 85%.
King oyster mushrooms are highly versatile in cooking. They can be roasted, stir-fried, grilled, or sautéed. The thick stems can be sliced into rounds and pan-seared, or sliced lengthwise and threaded onto skewers to be baked or grilled. They are also used fresh or dried in soups and stews or served with pasta.
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King trumpet mushrooms are harder to grow than oyster or lion's mane mushrooms
King trumpet mushrooms, also known as king oyster mushrooms or trumpet mushrooms, are native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. They are also grown in many parts of Asia. They are the biggest kind of oyster mushroom and have a thick, round stem with a small brown cap on top. They are loved for their meaty flavor and are popular as a fake meat in vegan and vegetarian meals.
Oyster mushrooms, on the other hand, are much easier to grow. They can be grown on a variety of substrates, such as straw or sawdust, and they do not require as much space as king trumpet mushrooms. Lion's mane mushrooms are also easier to grow and can be cultivated on similar substrates as oyster mushrooms.
King trumpet mushrooms are often grown by people, so finding them in the wild can be difficult. They are a good choice for those seeking a plant-based protein source, as they contain up to 3g of protein per 100g serving. They also offer dietary fiber, potassium, B vitamins, and antioxidants like ergothioneine, which may provide various health benefits.
In summary, while king trumpet mushrooms may be more challenging to cultivate than oyster or lion's mane mushrooms due to their specific requirements, they offer unique culinary and nutritional advantages that make them a popular choice for vegan and vegetarian dishes.
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Oyster mushrooms have a delicate, almost sweet flavour
Oyster mushrooms are known for their delicate texture and mild, savoury flavour. They are said to have a subtle, almost sweet anise flavour, without the strong earthiness of some mushroom varieties. They are also described as having a woody, nutty, or seafood-like taste and smell.
Oyster mushrooms are scientifically known as Pleurotus spp. and there are around 202 edible species within this family. The most common variety in North America is the Pearl Oyster, which has a nutty flavour and a slightly soft and chewy texture. Other varieties include the Pink Oyster, which has a seafood-like taste and smell, and the King Black Pearl Oyster, a hybrid of the King Oyster and regular Oyster mushrooms, known for its robust flavour and firm texture.
The Golden Oyster variety is noted for its delicate, golden-coloured cap, while the Blue Oyster and Grey Oyster mushrooms are commonly found in restaurants and are favoured by chefs for their characteristic oyster mushroom flavour. The caps of Blue Oyster mushrooms are smaller and thinner compared to the meatier caps of Grey Oyster mushrooms.
Oyster mushrooms are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. They are often stir-fried, sautéed, grilled, roasted, or deep-fried. Cooking enhances their flavour and gives them a velvety texture. They are also used in soups, stews, sauces, pasta, risotto, and salads.
While oyster mushrooms can be eaten raw, they tend to have a slightly metallic flavour. They are also delicate and need to be stored properly to prevent wilting and drying out. Fresh oyster mushrooms should be stored in a loose paper bag in the fridge for up to three days, while dried oyster mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
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King oyster mushrooms are prized for their meaty texture, versatility, and visual appeal
King oyster mushrooms, also known as trumpet mushrooms, are a variety of edible fungus belonging to the Pleurotaceae family. They are native to Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. With their thick, meaty stems and broad caps, they offer a unique texture and visual appeal that sets them apart from other mushrooms. Here's why king oyster mushrooms are prized for their meaty texture, versatility, and visual appeal:
Meaty Texture
King oyster mushrooms are celebrated for their dense, chewy texture, which mimics the savoury qualities of meat. This attribute makes them a popular ingredient in vegan and vegetarian dishes, where they can be used as a meat substitute. Their stems can be shredded to create vegan pulled "pork", sliced into discs to resemble scallops, or cut in half and seared like a steak. When cooked, their texture becomes comparable to seafood such as calamari or abalone.
Versatility
The king oyster mushroom is highly versatile in the kitchen. They can be grilled, sautéed, roasted, or used in soups, stews, and stir-fries. Their firm texture allows them to hold their shape even when cooked for extended periods or with liquid, making them ideal for slow cooking and high-heat preparations. They are commonly used in Asian cuisines, particularly Chinese and Japanese dishes, and have gained popularity in meatless cooking.
Visual Appeal
King oyster mushrooms have a distinctive appearance with their thick, white stems and smaller brown caps. This visual appeal sets them apart from other mushrooms and makes them a striking addition to any dish. Their caps are usually convex, eventually flattening as they mature, while the stems remain robust and meaty. This unique morphology not only provides a satisfying texture but also contributes to their aesthetic appeal.
King oyster mushrooms are indeed prized for their meaty texture, versatility, and visual appeal. They offer a savoury, umami flavour and a dense, chewy texture that can enhance a variety of dishes, making them a favourite among chefs and home cooks alike.
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King trumpet mushrooms are good for vegetarian and vegan diets
King trumpet mushrooms, also known as king oyster mushrooms, are a nutritious and delicious addition to vegetarian and vegan diets. They are celebrated for their robust structure, savory flavor, and for being the largest species in the oyster mushroom genus. Their thick white stems and attractive golden-brown caps allow for a wide range of culinary techniques, from slicing lengthwise to shredding, making them an adaptable addition to any recipe.
King trumpet mushrooms are a good source of plant-based protein, making them a valuable addition to vegetarian and vegan diets. A 100g serving has up to 3g of protein. They are also high in fiber, which can aid in weight management by promoting satiety and reducing overall calorie intake.
King trumpet mushrooms are an excellent source of B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, which are essential for energy production and metabolism. They also provide significant amounts of potassium, phosphorus, and copper, contributing to heart health and proper muscle function.
King trumpet mushrooms are a good choice for those looking to add nutritious, plant-based elements to their diet. They are low in calories and fat, yet rich in nutrients, making them a nutritious, low-calorie option for meals. Their dense texture makes them ideal for absorbing marinades and spices, enhancing their natural umami flavor.
King trumpet mushrooms can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, sautéing, roasting, or adding them to soups, salads, and stir-fries. They can also be eaten raw, offering a delicate texture and flavor. When cooked, they develop a rich, savory profile that complements a wide variety of dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
No, they are not the same, but they are in the same botanical genus, Pleurotus. Oyster mushrooms have short stems and fan-shaped caps, whereas king oyster mushrooms, also known as king trumpet mushrooms, are much larger, nearly cylindrical, and smooth.
Oyster mushrooms have a delicate, almost sweet flavour, whereas king oyster mushrooms are dense, savoury, and meaty. Oyster mushrooms can fall apart if cooked for too long, whereas king trumpet mushrooms retain their shape due to their firm texture.
King trumpet mushrooms are a good source of plant-based protein and dietary fibre. They also contain potassium, B vitamins, ergothioneine, beta-glucans, and prebiotics. They have more protein and fibre than oyster mushrooms.

























