John Miller
Lobster mushrooms are commercially marketed and can be found in grocery stores and farmers' markets in Oregon, Washington state, and the Pacific Northwest. They are also available online at Amazon and specialty stores like Whole Foods Market and Fresh & Wild. While they are wild mushrooms that grow in forests and are thus scarcer than those readily available in supermarkets, they are widely consumed and enjoyed freshly foraged and cooked.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Companies | Mile High Fungi, Whole Foods Market, Amazon, Oregon Mushrooms, Fresh & Wild |
| Type | Fresh, dried, organic, wild, gourmet |
| Weight | 1 lb |
| Preparation | Soak in warm water for 20 minutes or overnight, sauté, roast, grill |
| Health | Dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian |
| Price | Varies with the weather |
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What You'll Learn
- Lobster mushrooms are sold by Fresh & Wild, sourced from Oregon and Washington forests
- Amazon offers 1-pound bags of lobster mushrooms
- Whole Foods Market stocks wild lobster mushrooms
- Mile High Fungi sells lobster mushrooms at the South Pearl Farmers Market in Denver
- Lobster mushrooms are available at farmers markets in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest
Lobster mushrooms are sold by Fresh & Wild, sourced from Oregon and Washington forests
Lobster mushrooms, or Hypomyces lactifluorum, are a parasitic ascomycete fungus that grows on specific species of mushrooms. Turning them a reddish-orange colour, lobster mushrooms resemble the outer shell of a cooked lobster. They are widely eaten and enjoyed freshly foraged and cooked, and are commercially available in some grocery stores.
Fresh & Wild sources their lobster mushrooms from the forests of Oregon and Washington State. They are wild mushrooms and are therefore scarcer than those readily available in supermarkets. They are also more expensive, and their price varies according to weather conditions.
Lobster mushrooms have a firm, dense, meaty texture with earthy flavours and a subtle hint of seafood. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including sautéing, roasting, and grilling. Before cooking, it is important to remove any dirt from the mushrooms using a clean, dry brush. If the dirt is difficult to remove, you can brush it off under cold running water, separating the mushroom into pieces if necessary.
In terms of recipes, Fresh & Wild recommends sautéing lobster mushrooms in butter, Himalayan Pink Salt, freshly ground Telicherry peppercorns, and a bit of dry white wine added towards the end. Lobster mushrooms can also be used in stir fry, soups, and gravies. They pair well with Chanterelles, which have a lighter body and fruity flavour.
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Amazon offers 1-pound bags of lobster mushrooms
The product offered by Amazon is sold by Northern Food I/E, Inc. and ships via Amazon Fulfillment. The manufacturer is listed as Oregon Mushrooms/Fine Gourmet Foods. The product is described as having a mild taste and a meaty texture, and it is recommended to sauté the mushrooms in butter and garlic.
To reconstitute the dried mushrooms, the manufacturer suggests soaking them in warm water or liquid for 20 minutes or overnight. After reconstituting, the mushrooms should be strained, rinsed, and patted dry before use. The liquid used for soaking can be retained for future recipes.
Lobster mushrooms are commercially marketed and can sometimes be found in grocery stores. They are widely eaten and enjoyed freshly foraged and cooked, with no instances of toxicity recorded. While edible, field guides note the hypothetical possibility that lobster mushrooms could parasitize a toxic host, so it is recommended to avoid consuming them if the host is unknown.
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Whole Foods Market stocks wild lobster mushrooms
Lobster mushrooms, scientifically known as Hypomyces lactifluorum, are a parasitic ascomycete fungus that grows on specific species of mushrooms, turning them a reddish-orange colour that resembles cooked lobster shells. They are widely eaten and enjoyed freshly foraged and cooked, with a seafood-like flavour and a firm, dense texture. Lobster mushrooms are commercially marketed and sometimes found in grocery stores, including Whole Foods Market.
As a parasitic fungus, lobster mushrooms develop their reddish colour as they grow on specific types of wild mushrooms. They are often found in forests and are considered wild mushrooms, making them scarcer than those readily available in supermarkets. Lobster mushrooms are one of the densest and thickest mushrooms, and their bright colour and flavour resembling the sea make them a popular choice for vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Whole Foods Market's lobster mushrooms are sourced from forests in Quebec, Canada, far from any ocean. These mushrooms are unique in that they are actually two mushrooms: a white mushroom, often a Russula, infected and covered by an orange mould that alters its chemical composition, resulting in the characteristic colour and flavour of lobster mushrooms. The orange mould, Hypomyces lactifluorum, completely covers its host mushroom, rendering it unidentifiable.
When cooking with lobster mushrooms, it is important to note that they are wild mushrooms and should be cooked for at least 10 minutes to ensure safety. They complement most other mushrooms and can be sautéed, roasted, or grilled. Lobster mushrooms can be used in a variety of dishes, including casseroles, pasta, and seafood dishes, where they can add a unique flavour and colour.
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Mile High Fungi sells lobster mushrooms at the South Pearl Farmers Market in Denver
Lobster mushrooms, or Hypomyces lactifluorum, are parasitic ascomycete fungi that grow on certain species of mushrooms, turning them a reddish-orange colour resembling cooked lobster shells. They are widely eaten and enjoyed freshly foraged and cooked, with a seafood-like flavour and a firm, dense texture. Lobster mushrooms are commercially marketed and can sometimes be found in grocery stores, such as Whole Foods Market. They are also available on Amazon, where they are sold by Oregon Mushrooms/Fine Gourmet Foods.
One vendor that sells lobster mushrooms is Mile High Fungi, which is based in Denver. Mile High Fungi offers a wide variety of mushrooms, including lobsters, chanterelles, and more. They are known for the quality of their products, although some customers have expressed concerns about their pricing and packaging choices. Mile High Fungi sets up a stand at the South Pearl Farmers Market in Denver, allowing customers to purchase their mushrooms directly.
The South Pearl Farmers Market is a great place for locals and visitors alike to discover unique produce and support local businesses. By selling their lobster mushrooms at this market, Mile High Fungi contributes to the vibrant food culture of Denver, which values not just the final dish but also the ingredients, people, and cultures behind it. The market also provides an opportunity for customers to interact directly with the Mile High Fungi team, fostering a sense of community and allowing for a more personalised shopping experience.
In addition to their presence at the South Pearl Farmers Market, Mile High Fungi previously operated a grocery store at 1st & Sheridan. However, as of August 2022, this location has closed, and the company may be exploring other sites or partnerships to better serve their customers. Overall, Mile High Fungi's participation in the South Pearl Farmers Market showcases their commitment to accessibility and connection with the Denver community.
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Lobster mushrooms are available at farmers markets in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest
Lobster mushrooms, or Hypomyces lactifluorum, are parasitic fungi that grow on certain species of mushrooms, turning them a reddish-orange colour similar to cooked lobster shells. They are widely eaten and enjoyed for their firm, crunchy texture and nutty, seafood-like flavour. Lobster mushrooms are commercially marketed and can sometimes be found in grocery stores, though they are more commonly found in farmers' markets.
In the United States, lobster mushrooms grow in the Northeast and on the West Coast, particularly in the forests of Oregon and Washington State. As such, you are likely to find them at farmers' markets in these regions. For example, they have been made available at markets in Oregon and at the South Pearl Farmers Market in Denver, Colorado.
Outside of these regions, lobster mushrooms can be purchased online through retailers such as Amazon and Oregon Mushrooms, which offer dried lobster mushrooms for cooking. Fresh lobster mushrooms are also available for purchase online through websites such as Fresh & Wild, which sources its lobster mushrooms from Oregon and Washington State.
When purchasing lobster mushrooms, it is important to note that they are wild mushrooms and, as such, should be cooked for at least 10 minutes to ensure safety. They lend themselves to various cooking methods, including sautéing, roasting, and grilling.
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Frequently asked questions
Mile High Fungi at the South Pearl Farmers Market sells lobster mushrooms. You can also check out POM on Alameda for a big selection of mushrooms.
Amazon sells 1-pound bags of lobster mushrooms. You can also try Fresh & Wild, which delivers straight to your door.
Lobster mushrooms are available at markets in Oregon. You can also buy them online from Oregon Mushrooms.
Whole Foods Market sells lobster mushrooms.
Lobster mushrooms grow in the forests of Oregon and Washington state. They also grow in the Northeast and on the West Coast of the United States.
