
King oyster mushrooms, also known as king trumpet mushrooms, French horn mushrooms, eryngii, and trumpet royale, are a large variety of mushrooms with a distinctive taste and meaty texture. They are prized for their ability to absorb other flavours and are a great source of vitamin D. They are native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, and are widely cultivated in Asia, where they are popular ingredients in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cuisines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pleurotus eryngii |
| Common Names | King oyster mushroom, king trumpet mushroom, French horn mushroom, eryngi, king brown mushroom, boletus of the steppes, trumpet royale, aliʻi oyster |
| Size | Large, up to 8 inches long and 2 inches in diameter |
| Colour | White stalk, tan or brown cap |
| Texture | Firm, dense, meaty, chewy |
| Flavour | Savoury, nutty, earthy, woody, umami, mild |
| Uses | Meat substitute, vegan scallops |
| Culinary Techniques | Grilling, roasting, searing, frying, sautéing, braising, shredding, marinating |
| Storage | Refrigerate in paper bag or cardboard container, not plastic |
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What You'll Learn
- King oyster mushrooms are native to the Mediterranean and widely cultivated in Asia
- They are prized for their meaty texture and ability to absorb other flavours
- They are often used as a meat substitute in vegan recipes
- They are commercially produced and make up 30% of the Korean edible mushroom market
- They are large, growing up to 8 inches long and 2 inches in diameter

King oyster mushrooms are native to the Mediterranean and widely cultivated in Asia
King oyster mushrooms, also known as king trumpet mushrooms or French horn mushrooms, are native to the Mediterranean regions of southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. They are widely cultivated in Asia, where they are popular ingredients in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cuisines.
King oyster mushrooms are the largest species in the oyster mushroom genus, Pleurotus, which also includes the oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus. They have a thick, meaty white stem and a small tan or brown cap. Their natural range extends from the Atlantic Ocean through the Mediterranean Basin and Central Europe into Western Asia and India.
King oyster mushrooms are commercially produced and edible, with a good shelf life. They have little flavor or aroma when raw, but when cooked, they develop a rich umami flavor and a meaty texture. They are commonly used as a meat substitute in vegan recipes.
King oyster mushrooms can be grilled, broiled, sautéed, braised, or roasted. They are versatile mushrooms that can be used in a variety of dishes, including stir-fries, stews, risottos, and pasta sauces. They are also a good source of vitamin D.
When cultivating king oyster mushrooms, Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) can be used in the mushroom industry for the classification and maintenance of high-quality mushroom spawns. They are cultivated in growing centers that resemble warehouses, where temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels are carefully monitored and controlled.
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They are prized for their meaty texture and ability to absorb other flavours
King oyster mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, widely used as a meat substitute. They are the largest species in the oyster mushroom genus, with a thick, meaty white stem and a small tan or brown cap. When cooked, they develop a rich umami flavour and a dense, chewy texture.
King oyster mushrooms are prized for their ability to absorb other flavours. They can be marinated and grilled, roasted, seared, braised, sautéed, fried, or used in stir-fries and stews. Scoring the tops of the mushrooms helps them absorb flavour and develop a golden crust when seared. They can also be sliced and soaked in water to give them a succulent, juicy texture before searing or frying.
King oyster mushrooms are often used as a substitute for scallops, abalone, calamari, pulled pork, bacon, and other meats. Their thick, dense stems can be sliced into rounds and cooked to resemble scallops or abalone. They can also be shredded and used as a meat substitute in dishes such as pulled mushroom sliders, tacos, and meatballs.
King oyster mushrooms are cultivated in indoor growing facilities and are available all year round. They are widely used in Asian cuisines, particularly in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cooking.
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They are often used as a meat substitute in vegan recipes
King oyster mushrooms are large, meaty mushrooms that have a unique appearance with a thick, fleshy stem and a small cap. They are prized for their versatile texture and ability to absorb flavours, making them a popular choice for chefs and home cooks alike. One of the most notable characteristics of king oyster mushrooms is their meat-like texture, which makes them an excellent option for vegan and vegetarian dishes. When prepared correctly, these mushrooms can mimic the texture and mouthfeel of meat, making them a popular meat substitute.
Their thick, juicy stems and meaty texture make them a favourite for vegan recipes that require a hearty, satisfying bite. The mild flavour of king oyster mushrooms also makes them versatile. They easily absorb the flavours of marinades, sauces, and spices, enhancing their taste and making them suitable for a wide range of cuisines. Their ability to take on flavours and their substantial texture make them an ideal meat alternative. When slow-cooked, grilled, or roasted, king oyster mushrooms develop a tender, juicy consistency that rivals that of meat.
King oyster mushrooms are often used as a vegan substitute for seafood, such as scallops or calamari, due to their firm texture and mild taste. They can be sliced, breaded, and fried to create vegan "scallops" or battered and deep-fried to make "calamari." Their versatility and adaptability to different cooking methods further enhance their appeal as a meat substitute. King oyster mushrooms can be grilled, sautéed, braised, or slow-cooked, making them suitable for a wide range of recipes and allowing them to take on different textures and flavours.
In addition to their culinary uses, king oyster mushrooms offer nutritional benefits that make them a healthy and nutritious meat alternative. They are a good source of protein and fibre, and they also contain essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron. These nutrients are especially important for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet, as they are typically found in meat products. By using king oyster mushrooms as a meat substitute, individuals can boost the nutritional profile of their meals while still enjoying a satisfying and flavourful dining experience.
When incorporating king oyster mushrooms into vegan recipes, it is important to consider preparation techniques to optimize their meat-like texture. Here are some tips to enhance their meat-like qualities: Slice or cut the mushrooms to the desired size and shape to mimic meat pieces. Marinate the mushrooms in a mixture of oil, herbs, spices, and acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar to add flavour and tenderize the mushrooms.
Overall, king oyster mushrooms are a versatile and tasty option for those seeking meat alternatives. Their meat-like texture, flavour versatility, and nutritional benefits make them a valuable ingredient in vegan cuisine, allowing individuals to create satisfying and delicious plant-based meals. With their ability to take on different flavours and cooking methods, king oyster mushrooms are a key component in the ever-growing repertoire of vegan recipes.
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They are commercially produced and make up 30% of the Korean edible mushroom market
King oyster mushrooms, also known as king trumpet mushrooms, French horn mushrooms, eryngii, or trumpet royale, are commercially produced and make up 30% of the Korean edible mushroom market. They are native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa but are also widely cultivated in Asia, where they are popular ingredients in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cuisines.
King oyster mushrooms are large, meaty mushrooms with a rich umami flavor and a dense, chewy texture. They are versatile and can be grilled, broiled, sautéed, stir-fried, braised, or roasted. They are often used as a meat substitute in vegan and vegetarian dishes, such as vegan scallops, pulled "pork", and bacon-style slices. When cooked, king oyster mushrooms hold their shape well and absorb the flavours they are cooked with, making them a popular ingredient in various dishes.
The mushrooms are cultivated in indoor growing facilities that resemble warehouses, where temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels are carefully monitored and controlled. They grow in jars filled with organic material, such as sawdust blocks or soil-based environments, and are packaged into plastic bags once matured for shipping to retailers and distributors.
King oyster mushrooms have a good shelf life and can be found in Asian grocery stores, specialty food stores, and larger supermarket chains. When selecting king oyster mushrooms for purchase, look for those with firm stalks and smooth, unblemished caps. To clean the mushrooms, avoid washing them under running water as they absorb water quickly. Instead, gently wipe them with a damp cloth or soft brush to remove any dirt.
King oyster mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D and may contain chemicals that stimulate the immune system and lower cholesterol levels. They are widely used in vegan recipes and as a substitute for meat and seafood due to their meaty texture and ability to absorb other flavours.
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They are large, growing up to 8 inches long and 2 inches in diameter
King oyster mushrooms are a large variety of mushrooms, growing up to 8 inches long and 2 inches in diameter. They are the largest species in the oyster mushroom genus, Pleurotus, which also includes the oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus. They are native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, and are also widely cultivated in many parts of Asia.
King oyster mushrooms have thick, meaty white stems and small tan or brown caps. Their stems are firm, dense, and completely edible, unlike the stems of many other mushrooms, which can become tough and woody. When sliced into rounds and cooked, the stems have a texture and appearance similar to sea scallops, abalone, calamari, or bacon, which makes them a popular meat substitute, especially in vegan and vegetarian dishes.
The mushrooms are grown in indoor facilities that resemble warehouses, where temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels are carefully monitored and controlled. They grow in jars filled with organic material, which are stored on trays stacked on shelves. Once mature, they are packaged into plastic bags and shipped to retailers and distributors.
King oyster mushrooms have a nutty, earthy, woody, and intensely umami flavour, with some seafood and licorice notes. They are versatile in cooking and can be grilled, broiled, sautéed, braised, roasted, or fried. They hold their shape well when cooked and have a low moisture content, which means they don't release a lot of liquid and are less likely to become soggy. They also absorb other flavours well, making them a popular ingredient in various dishes, especially in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cuisines.
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Frequently asked questions
King oyster mushrooms (also known as king trumpet mushrooms, French horn mushrooms, eryngii, or trumpet royale) are a type of edible mushroom native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. They are also widely cultivated in Asia.
King oyster mushrooms have a nutty, earthy, and intensely umami flavor with some seafood and licorice notes. They are large mushrooms, growing up to 8 inches long and 2 inches in diameter, with thick, meaty stems and tan or brown caps.
Unlike other oyster mushrooms that grow in delicate, frilly clusters, king oyster mushrooms grow individually. They also have a denser texture and a milder flavor, making them a versatile ingredient that can absorb other flavors.
King oyster mushrooms are very versatile and can be grilled, roasted, sautéed, or fried. They are often used as a meat substitute due to their meaty texture and can be sliced and cooked in various ways, such as stir-fries, stews, or grilled on skewers.
You can find king oyster mushrooms at Asian grocers, specialty food stores like Whole Foods, and larger supermarket chains. They are usually sold in plastic packaging but can also be found fresh at local markets.
























