Sarah Brown
Oyster mushrooms, or Pleurotus Ostreatus, are one of the easier mushrooms to identify and forage for. They are edible fungi characterised by their oyster-shaped caps, ranging from white to grey or brown, and their gills that extend down the stem. Oyster mushrooms have a wide geographic distribution and can be found in various regions around the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. They are also one of the top commercially grown mushrooms and can be cultivated at home. Oyster mushrooms exhibit various colour variations that can aid in identification, with some species starting as white or cream-coloured and transitioning to grey or brown as they mature. Other identifying features include their broad, fleshy caps, the absence of a traditional stem, and their distinct oyster mushroom smell.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Oyster Mushrooms |
| Genus | Pleurotus |
| Species | ostreatus, populinus, citrinopileatus |
| Nicknames | Pearl Oyster, Tree Oyster |
| Colour | Tan to brown |
| Cap | Broad and fleshy |
| Cap Edges | Enrolled, flatten with maturity |
| Stem | Pseudostem, varies in length |
| Gills | Broad and spaced out |
| Lamellulae | Partial |
| Smell | Anise |
| Growth Pattern | Singly or in clusters |
| Region | Found worldwide |
| Edibility | Edible, cook thoroughly |
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What You'll Learn
- Colour: Oyster mushrooms exhibit various colour variations influenced by species, age and environment
- Shape: Oyster mushrooms have a broad, fan-shaped cap and a pseudostem
- Texture: The gills are white or cream-coloured and run down the stem
- Habitat: Oyster mushrooms can be found in various regions and habitats around the world
- Bugs: Oyster mushrooms are often infiltrated with bugs, which can be identified by holes in the cap
Colour: Oyster mushrooms exhibit various colour variations influenced by species, age and environment
Oyster mushrooms exhibit various colour variations influenced by species, age, and environment. Oyster mushrooms on the fresh market can have caps of varying colours, including gray, brown, light brown, cream, and pure white. The colour of the cap can be influenced by environmental factors such as light exposure, temperature, and humidity. For example, oyster mushrooms grown in low light conditions may appear paler, and cooler temperatures can enhance blue hues in certain species. Young specimens typically exhibit more vibrant and distinct colours, while mature specimens tend to have more muted colours that shift towards brown tones.
The colour of oyster mushroom caps can also depend on the species. For instance, the blue oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) has a more intense blue colour when grown in colder temperatures, while the yellow or golden oyster mushroom (Pleurotus citrinopileatus) has a bright yellow cap that becomes paler with age. The pink oyster mushroom (Pleurotus djamor) is known for its vibrant pink colour, which can fade to paler pink or white as it matures. The elm oyster mushroom (Hypsizygus ulmarius) has caps that range in colour from white to tan, and the Pleurotus pulmonarius species tends to transition from white or cream to gray or brown as it ages.
The genetic makeup of oyster mushrooms also plays a role in cap colour. For example, the button mushroom Agaricus bisporus has a brown or white cap colour determined by a major locus (PPC1) on chromosome 8. Oyster mushroom species with darker caps, such as the Pleurotus cornucopiae, are preferred by consumers but are rare on the market. Breeding cultivars of oyster mushrooms with darker caps is a focus for commercial growers.
Additionally, the amount of colour variation on a single cap can be influenced by environmental factors. In some cases, three positions on each cap are selected for measurement to minimize the impact of variation on trait screening. High-resolution genetic mapping and composite interval mapping procedures can improve the precision of QTL (quantitative trait locus) mapping, which is used to understand the genetic basis of cap colour variation.
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Shape: Oyster mushrooms have a broad, fan-shaped cap and a pseudostem
Oyster mushrooms are characterised by their broad, fan-shaped caps, which give them their common name. The caps can range in size from 2 to 10 inches (5 to 25 cm) in diameter. The cap's surface is smooth, dense, and velvety, with a slightly sticky texture when wet. The edges of the cap are enrolled, or rolled inwards, when the mushroom is young, and flatten out as it matures.
The colour of the cap can vary depending on the species, but is usually white to light brown, tan, or brown. Some species may also have caps that are white to lilac-grey or even yellow.
Oyster mushrooms may or may not have a stem. If they do, it is often a stubby pseudostem rather than a traditional stem, and its presence and length depend on where the mushroom is fruiting. Mushrooms fruiting right off the side of a tree may have no stem at all, while those growing on top of a log or tree will have a more well-developed pseudostem. The pseudostem may be off-centre if the mushroom is growing on the side of a log. There is no ring or sack around the base of the pseudostem.
The gills of oyster mushrooms are decurrent, meaning they are attached to and run down the length of the pseudostem. They are white in colour and fairly broad and spaced out. Some of the gills run all the way down the pseudostem, while others only run partially down, and are known as lamellulae.
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Texture: The gills are white or cream-coloured and run down the stem
When identifying oyster mushrooms, one of the key characteristics to look out for is the colour and texture of the gills. Oyster mushrooms have gills that are white or cream-coloured, and these gills run down the stem of the mushroom. This is a distinctive feature that sets oyster mushrooms apart from many other mushroom varieties, which often have darker gills or gills that do not extend down the stem in the same way.
The gills of oyster mushrooms are also relatively close together, and they can be described as lamellate, meaning they have a plate-like structure. These gills are often described as "veins" or "ridges" and are an important part of the mushroom's spore-producing mechanism. The gills release spores into the air, which then land on new growth surfaces, allowing the oyster mushroom mycelium to spread and colonize new areas.
The white or cream colour of the gills is a result of the oyster mushroom's biology and life cycle. This colour is indicative of the mushroom's maturity and spore-producing capacity. As the mushroom ages, the gills may become slightly discoloured or darker due to spore production and environmental factors. However, the overall colour remains relatively consistent throughout the oyster mushroom's life span.
It is important to note that the gills of oyster mushrooms can vary slightly in shade and intensity, depending on environmental factors such as light exposure, humidity, and the specific subspecies of the oyster mushroom. Some varieties may have gills that are more of an ivory or light tan colour, while others may have gills that are almost pure white. Nonetheless, the overall colour palette remains within the white to cream spectrum, making it a reliable identifier for this type of mushroom.
In addition to the colour, the texture of the gills can also provide clues about the mushroom's identity. The gills of oyster mushrooms are typically smooth and moist, with a slightly sticky or tacky feel. This texture is due to the presence of a mucilaginous substance produced by the mushroom, which helps to trap spores and facilitate their dispersal. The texture of the gills can vary
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Habitat: Oyster mushrooms can be found in various regions and habitats around the world
Oyster mushrooms, or Pleurotus ostreatus, can be found in temperate and subtropical forests around the world. They are often seen growing on dying hardwood trees, particularly beech stumps, but can also be found on other hardwoods such as ash and cabbage palm. They are saprophytic, meaning they grow on and break down decaying organic matter, and are not seasonal, so they can be found year-round.
In the wild, oyster mushrooms range in colour from white to grey or brown, with a broad, fan-shaped cap that can be up to 30 centimetres wide. They have a distinctive oyster-like shape and texture, with a slippery surface. The gills are whitish, sometimes becoming yellowish, and are spaced fairly apart. The stipe, or pseudostem, can vary in length or may not be present at all.
Oyster mushrooms are found throughout Britain and Ireland, as well as in most parts of mainland Europe. They are widely distributed throughout Asia, including Japan, and are also present in parts of North America. In Alberta, Canada, a close relative called Pleurotus populinus is commonly found. This species is typically smaller and grows primarily on dead or dying aspen trees.
Oyster mushrooms are also cultivated commercially around the world and are a popular edible mushroom used in cuisine from various cultures, including Czech, Polish, Slovak, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese. They are now readily available in supermarkets in many countries, including Britain, Ireland, and Germany, where their cultivation first began during World War I.
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Bugs: Oyster mushrooms are often infiltrated with bugs, which can be identified by holes in the cap
Oyster mushrooms are often infiltrated by bugs, which can be identified by holes in the cap. The presence of holes in the cap is the biggest giveaway that your oyster mushrooms have been infiltrated by bugs. If you spot a hole in the cap, cut the mushroom in half to further inspect it. If you notice multiple holes running down the stem, it is likely too bug-eaten to consume.
Oyster mushrooms are saprophytic, meaning they obtain their nutrients from dead organic matter. They are commonly found growing on decaying hardwood logs, stumps, or fallen trees. This habitat provides an ideal environment for bugs, which can infest the mushrooms.
Bugs, slugs, and beetles are common inhabitants of oyster mushrooms. Beetles, in particular, may live their entire lives within the mushroom. Additionally, certain bug species are predatory on mycobionts, making them dependent on the mushrooms for survival.
To minimise bug infiltration, it is recommended to harvest younger oyster mushrooms, as they tend to have fewer bugs. Another strategy is to choose mushrooms growing in sunny areas, as shade tends to harbour more bugs.
When dealing with potentially bug-infested oyster mushrooms, it is important to inspect and clean them thoroughly. While some advocate against washing mushrooms, it may be prudent to do so to remove dirt and any unwanted creatures. Cutting off any undesirable portions and drying the mushrooms are also options. Cooking the mushrooms thoroughly will help ensure that any remaining bugs are no longer an issue.
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Frequently asked questions
Oyster mushrooms have a broad, fleshy cap with enrolled edges that flatten as the mushroom matures. The colour of the cap varies, but is usually tan to brown. Oyster mushrooms have gills that are white or cream-coloured and run down the stem. They have a distinctive oyster mushroom smell.
Oyster mushrooms are shelf mushrooms and do not have a traditional stem, but rather a "pseudostem" that varies in length. They can grow singly but often form clusters or "bouquets". They are characterised by their oyster-shaped caps, ranging from white to grey or brown, and their decurrent gills.
Oyster mushrooms are one of the easier mushrooms to identify, but it is important to check for bugs and cut the mushroom in half if you see a hole in the cap. You should also wash your mushrooms before eating them. There are some superficial lookalikes, so it is best to consult a local guidebook or mycological society to identify any poisonous varieties in your region.
Oyster mushrooms have a wide geographic distribution and can be found in various regions, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. They are commonly found in forests and urban areas, and often grow on trees, particularly dead or dying ones.
There are over 200 known oyster mushroom species, all of which are edible. Some common types include true oyster, phoenix oyster, pink oyster, and king oyster mushrooms.
