Emily Johnson
King oyster mushrooms, also known as King Trumpet, Trumpet Royale, French Horn, and Eryngii, are a popular ingredient in Korean, Japanese, and Chinese cuisines. They are known for their creamy stems, light brown caps, and rich, savory flavors when cooked. With a firm, meat-like texture, they are favored by vegans and vegetarians as a meat substitute. You can find king oyster mushrooms at your local farmers' market, Asian markets, or have them delivered to your door from specialty mushroom farms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Companies | Mikuni Wild Harvest, River Valley Ranch & Kitchens, Fresh & Wild |
| Price | $4/lb |
| Availability | Widely available at farmers' markets, Asian markets, and online |
| Storage | Refrigerate in a paper bag for up to 10 days |
| Preparation | Clean without water, cook thoroughly |
| Taste | Savory, earthy, nutty, buttery, meaty |
| Texture | Firm, fleshy, silky soft |
| Uses | Versatile; can be roasted, broiled, deep-fried, sautéed, grilled, braised, or used as a substitute for meat or seafood |
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What You'll Learn
Local Chinese grocers and Asian markets
When it comes to sourcing king oyster mushrooms, local Chinese grocers and Asian markets are excellent options to explore. These specialty stores offer a diverse selection of mushrooms, including the coveted king oyster variety, which is known for its distinctive features and culinary versatility.
Local Chinese grocers are a treasure trove of exotic produce, and you'll be delighted to find fresh king oyster mushrooms among their offerings. These mushrooms are often displayed in clusters within the produce department, providing a visually appealing and enticing shopping experience. The pricing is typically competitive, with king oyster mushrooms available for around $4 per pound, making them an affordable option for your culinary creations.
Asian markets, particularly Korean markets, are also renowned for their diverse mushroom selections. Mushrooms play a significant role in Korean cuisine, adding depth of flavor and substance to soups, stews, noodles, and stir-fry dishes. When you step into an Asian market, you'll discover a wide range of mushroom varieties, with king oyster mushrooms being one of the staples. The availability of these mushrooms in Asian markets underscores their importance in Asian culinary traditions.
In addition to fresh king oyster mushrooms, these specialty stores may also offer dried or packaged options. Dried king oyster mushrooms, though sometimes pricier, can be a convenient choice for those who want to extend the shelf life of this delicacy. Packaged or pre-processed king oyster mushrooms may also be available, providing an alternative for those who prefer the convenience of pre-prepared ingredients.
By patronizing local Chinese grocers and Asian markets, you not only gain access to fresh and flavorful king oyster mushrooms but also contribute to supporting local businesses and the local economy. These stores are often deeply rooted in their communities, and your custom helps sustain their continued presence and contribution to the vibrant culinary landscape. So, the next time you're planning a meal featuring king oyster mushrooms, remember to explore the offerings of these specialty stores and unlock a whole new world of culinary possibilities.
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Farmers' markets
Farmers markets are a great place to source fresh, locally grown king oyster mushrooms. In the US, the oyster mushroom market is experiencing significant growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% from 2025 to 2034. This growth is partly driven by the increasing demand for plant-based and healthier dietary options, as well as the trend towards sustainable and locally grown food sources.
Oyster mushrooms, with their mild flavour and meat-like texture, are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, pasta, soups, stir-fries, and vegan recipes as a meat alternative. Their popularity has led to their incorporation into processed foods such as sauces and seasonings, further expanding the market.
Florida Shroom King, a mushroom farm in Central Florida, is an example of a local producer that sells fresh lion's mane and oyster mushrooms at farmers markets. They specialize in both indoor and outdoor mushroom cultivation, ensuring a fresh and consistent supply for their customers.
When visiting your local farmers market, you can expect to find several booths selling a variety of mushrooms, including oyster mushrooms. These booths may be operated by local farmers or small-scale mushroom growers, providing you with the opportunity to connect directly with the producers and learn about their cultivation practices.
In addition to fresh mushrooms, some farmers markets may also offer dried or frozen mushroom products, allowing you to stock up on your favourite fungi even when they are out of season. By shopping at farmers markets, you not only gain access to high-quality, locally sourced produce but also contribute to supporting local agriculture and sustainable food systems.
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Online retailers
If you're looking to buy king oyster mushrooms online, there are several retailers you can turn to. Here are some options:
Regalis Foods
Regalis Foods offers king oyster mushrooms cultivated in South Korea. They have a unique texture that is both crunchy and chewy, with a flavour profile balancing sweetness and umami. These mushrooms are known for their potent aromatics, which can add a campfire-like charm to your dishes. Regalis Foods offers free shipping on orders over $250, and their king oyster mushrooms are priced at $25 for a 3-pound case.
River Valley Ranch & Kitchens
River Valley Ranch & Kitchens provides fresh king oyster mushrooms grown year-round at their mushroom farm in Wisconsin. They pride themselves on never using any chemicals, preservatives, or growth enhancers. Their king oyster mushrooms are sold in half-pound paper bags, and you can order them directly from their website.
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market is a well-known retailer that offers organic king oyster mushrooms. While their website provides nutritional information and product details, the prices and availability may vary across different stores. It's always a good idea to check your local Whole Foods Market for the most up-to-date information on their king oyster mushroom offerings.
Amazon.com
Amazon offers a wide range of king oyster mushroom products, including dried mushrooms, vegetable plants and seeds, and even mushroom germination kits. With various brands available, you can explore different options and choose the one that best suits your needs. Amazon also provides convenient subscription options and discounts through their Amazon Fresh and Subscribe & Save programs.
Mikuni Wild Harvest
Mikuni Wild Harvest specialises in wild mushrooms, including king oyster mushrooms. Their king oyster mushrooms are cultivated on the sawdust of broad-leaved trees, giving them a distinct flavour. They offer storage tips and preparation suggestions to ensure you get the most out of your purchase. Mikuni Wild Harvest is a great source for learning more about the unique characteristics and cooking techniques specific to king oyster mushrooms.
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River Valley Ranch, Wisconsin
River Valley Ranch in Wisconsin has been in the business of providing fresh mushrooms and more since 1976. They offer a wide variety of mushroom-based products, including the King Oyster mushroom variety.
The River Valley Ranch King Oyster mushrooms are priced at $12.00. They also offer other fresh mushroom varieties, such as Portabella, Lion's Mane, Maitake, and White Button mushrooms, ranging in price from $7.00 to $12.00. In addition to fresh mushrooms, River Valley Ranch also has a range of mushroom kits, allowing customers to grow their own Oyster and Lion's Mane mushrooms at home for $30.00 each.
For those who enjoy cooking with mushrooms, River Valley Ranch offers a selection of mushroom-based meals and ingredients. Their frozen meals include Portabella Ravioli with Wisconsin Parmesan, Portabella Swiss Bratwurst, and Asparagus Ravioli with Wisconsin Asiago, each priced at $10.00. They also offer a range of sauces and spreads, such as Portabella Pasta Sauce and Shroomschetta Mushroom Bruschetta Spread, starting at $10.00.
River Valley Ranch also provides a unique dining experience with their mushroom-focused boxes. The "Everything Freshest Mushroom Box" offers a comprehensive assortment of mushrooms, while the "Chef's Delight Freshest Mushroom Box" presents a curated selection for culinary enthusiasts. These boxes are priced at $50.00 and $45.00, respectively, providing a premium experience. Additionally, River Valley Ranch offers sampler boxes, such as the "Exotic Sampler Freshest Mushroom Box" for $40.00, allowing customers to explore a variety of mushroom flavours.
River Valley Ranch is dedicated to sharing their passion for mushrooms and ensuring customers can access the freshest produce. By offering a range of products, from fresh mushrooms to ready-to-eat meals and grow-at-home kits, they cater to various customer needs and interests. Their website provides an easy way to stay updated with the latest offers and sales, ensuring customers can make the most of River Valley Ranch's mushroom expertise.
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Fresh & Wild
King oyster mushrooms are a large member of the oyster mushroom family with a meaty texture and rich umami flavour. They are versatile and can be grilled, broiled, sautéed, braised, or roasted. They can even be used as a side dish or as the main component of a meal.
King oyster mushrooms are sometimes confused with oyster mushrooms, but they are larger and have a different shape. They are cultivated in growing centres that resemble warehouses, where temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels are carefully controlled. The mushrooms grow in jars filled with organic material, such as the sawdust of broad-leaved trees, and are then packaged into plastic bags and shipped to retailers and distributors.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy king oyster mushrooms from Fresh & Wild, which offers overnight shipping. They are also available at River Valley Ranch & Kitchens, which grows the mushrooms year-round in Wisconsin. Farmers' markets often have booths selling mushrooms, including king oyster mushrooms. You can also check your local Chinese or Asian grocer.
King oyster mushrooms should be stored in a paper bag with the top loosely closed in the refrigerator. They will last from 7 to 10 days.
First, brush away any dirt from the mushrooms. Then, cut off the ends. You can then slice them lengthwise to make "planks" or across the stem to create uniform round slices. For a meatless alternative to pulled pork, shred the stems with a fork and braise them in BBQ sauce.
