The Pleurotus ostreatus, which is also known as the oyster-shaped pleurot or oyster mushroom, we know it as a basidiomycete fungus which belongs to the order Agaricales. It has its distribution throughout most of the Hollarctic areas, in places that have a temperate climate, although it has been cultivated in many parts of the world.
This is a completely edible mushroom, which is also closely related to the well-known thistle mushroom, which is also consumed in abundance due to its excellent flavor and how easy it is to identify. However and many times, this fungus is confused with some of the other species of Pleurotus that in the same way are edible.
Characteristics of the Pleurotus ostreatus
The common name and the Latin name that has been given to this mushroom is due to its peculiar appearance. The Latin name Pleurotus, refers to the way in which the stipe or foot grows in relation to what its hat is.
On the other hand, the Latin name ostreatus, refers to the appearance of the hat in particular, which is usually very similar to the mollusk that has the same name.
Oyster mushroom has a hat that can measure between 5 cm and 20 cm in diameter, with a foot that is inclined to one of the sides and that also has a growth that is together with other fungi of the same species in an overlapping way.
Its surface has a smooth as well as shiny appearance, with a gray color that can vary to a slightly darker tone and in some cases, it can have a brown or bluish color.
The margin that the hat has, has the ability to change with its age when rolling in the specimens that are younger, and being open, in those that are a little more adult. This is a mushroom that it has sheets that can become very tight, decurrent, with a color quite similar to white and thin.
The meat of the same is very firm, being a bit tough in the specimens that are more adult, which also it has a taste as well as a quite pleasant smell.
Generally grows naturally on the surface of stumps and also from soft wood trunks, such as: poplar, willow or beech. The presence of this fungus is quite frequent.
The months for collection are in April, May, October and then in November.
Properties of the Pleurotus ostreatus
This is a mushroom that is completely fat-free, as well as cholesterol and gluten and also has a low amount of calories and the same amount of sodium.
El oyster mushroom It has high contents of zinc, calcium, potassium, iron, folic acid, niacin, vitamin B1 and vitamin B2.
The content of Pleurotus ostreatus is higher than that usually found in meat, being in this way an excellent alternative for those who have made the decision to follow a vegan diet.
Furthermore, the high potassium content makes it one of the foods that has the ability to prevent diseases that affect the heart, like hypertension.
Uses of Pleurotus ostreatus
It is an edible mushroom that has a high acceptance. It is important that we can consume it when it is young, since it is at that time when its meat is much more tender, after that, they take on a texture that is very similar to that of wood, with a flavor that is not very palatable.
Es used very frequently by oriental cuisine, especially in the elaboration of Japanese food, in Chinese food and also in the elaboration of Korean food.