Last Updated on October 11, 2023
The blue oyster mushroom is a type of fungi that belongs to the oyster mushroom family
. In this blog post, we will go through everything you need to know about blue oyster mushrooms.
The blue oyster mushroom is a species identified because of its smooth, convex cap with radial wrinkles and pallid to white coloration.
These mushrooms’ gills are adnate to decurrent, and the stem is long and slender.
Blue oyster mushrooms are widely consumed for their culinary properties and sometimes as an entheogen.
In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about blue oyster mushrooms. We will cover their botany, ecology, cultivation, medicinal properties, and more.
So if you’re interested in learning more about these fascinating fungi, keep reading!
Plus bonus! We’ll delicious blue oyster mushroom recipe round-up at the end so that you can incorporate more blue oyster mushrooms into your meals.
Blue Oyster Mushroom
Blue oyster mushrooms are edible fungi that belong to the genus Pleurotus Ostreatus.
Oyster mushrooms get their name from their appearance, similar to that of an oyster, and grow on hardwoods, logs, stumps, and cardboard.
Blue oyster mushrooms are known for their medicinal properties (vitamins and minerals) and are often used in traditional Chinese Medicine.
Blue oyster mushrooms are one of the subspecies of the oyster mushroom family. They are a good source of antioxidants and vitamins, making them a healthy addition to any diet.
This humble fungus has a lot to offer: it’s easy to grow, nutritious, & delicious. With so many advantages, they are popular among vegans and vegetarians as a meat substitute.
Blue Oyster Mushroom’s Appearance:
Blue oyster mushrooms are small & shelf-stable with a powdery blue-gray or deep blue exterior. Once cooked, they have a creamy white interior with a slightly crunchy texture.
Natural Habitat:
They grow as clusters of different sizes and shapes on hardwood trees. Blue oyster mushrooms are native to North and South America but can be found in temperate climates worldwide.
Growing Difficulty:
Blue oyster mushrooms are super easy to grow at home, making them perfect for beginners.
All you need is a little patience (it takes about two weeks for them to fully mature) and some basic supplies like a growing kit & some organic matter to act as substrate (coffee grounds work great).
Once you’ve got your spawn (mushroom spores), the hardest part is over.
Just keep an eye on humidity levels and ensure your substrate doesn’t dry out – other than that, these little guys take care of themselves.
When and Where to Grow:
You can grow them year-round, indoors or outdoors. If you live in a cold climate, you might want to consider moving your operation indoors, where temperature & humidity levels are easier to control.
Outdoors, all you need is a shady spot with good airflow. A north-facing porch or balcony would be ideal.
Indoors, any room in your house will do as long as you can provide 12 hours of indirect light per day (a sunny windowsill works perfectly).
Yield:
In a study done by the University of California, blue oyster mushrooms have the potential to yield 227% more than white button mushrooms.
This is due to the fact that they are able to produce two flushes of fruit body compared to the one flush produced by white button mushrooms.
In terms of fresh weight, this means that blue oyster mushrooms can yield up to 9 pounds per square foot while white button mushrooms can only yield up to 4 pounds per square foot.
Shelf Life:
Raw oyster mushrooms will last about one week in the fridge with proper storage conditions.
Blue Oyster Mushroom Benefits
Here are some surprising health benefits of blue oyster mushrooms:
✅ Boosts Immune System Function: Blue oyster mushrooms are a rich source of beta-glucans, compounds that help regulate the immune system.
Beta-glucans can help to improve immune system function by stimulating the production of white blood cells and increasing the activity of natural killer cells.
✅ Enhances Cognitive Function: Blue oyster mushrooms are also a rich source of ergothioneine, an amino acid with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
✅ Protects Against Stomach Ulcers: The high levels of antioxidants in blue oyster mushrooms can help to protect the stomach lining from damage caused by inflammation.
(Source: MedicineNet.com)
Blue Oyster Mushrooms Taste
You might be wondering what blue oyster mushrooms taste like.
Blue oyster mushrooms have a delicate taste that is both earthy, umami flavors, and slightly sweet.
It has a seafood flavor, making it a tasty plant-based meat substitute for stir-frying or tacos.
The stems and caps of blue oyster mushrooms are sturdy and have a chewy and meaty texture.
For an extra dimension, add them to soups and stews, or grill them into mushroom steaks or burgers.
Blue oyster mushrooms have a richer, more distinctive taste than the standard button mushroom, and are not overpowering, making them incredibly versatile.
If you’re wondering what their cousin tastes like, check out this article: Pink Oyster Mushroom: The Ultimate Guide.
Blue Oyster Mushroom – HOW TO GROW YOUR OWN
Here’s everything about the growing conditions you need to know in order to grow mushrooms at home:
Environment
Blue oyster mushrooms prefer a dark, cool place with good airflow. A basement or garage would be ideal.
If you don’t have access to a dark space, you can try growing them in a closet. Just make sure there’s a hole in the door, so air can circulate.
Substrate
Straw is one of the best substrates for growing blue oyster mushrooms.
It’s high in cellulose and low in nitrogen, which makes it an ideal substrate for these mushrooms. Plus, straw is easy to find and relatively inexpensive.
Blue Oyster Spawn & COLONIZATION
Creating an environment with high humidity and moderate temperatures – around 70 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal.
Inoculate your substrate with the spawn, then cover it with a layer of cheesecloth or another breathable material.
Fruiting
Fruiting is when the mushrooms produce fruit bodies, the parts of the mushroom that we can see above ground.
This process is important because it allows the mushroom to reproduce and continue its life cycle.
Harvesting
Oyster mushrooms typically fruit in the late fall and early spring, although they may fruit sporadically throughout the year.
The best time to harvest is when the caps are 6-8 inches in diameter, and the margins are still curled inward. It’s best to eat them when fresh.
Blue Oyster Mycelium
Blue oyster mycelium is an incredibly unique species of fungus that has a variety of uses.
Its distinctive blue hue makes it easy to identify, and its mycelial structure gives it a unique texture when compared to other fungi.
It is known for its ability to break down organic matter and convert it into valuable nutrients, making it suitable for composting applications.
In addition, blue oyster mycelium can also be used in food production as well as for medicinal purposes due to its natural antifungal properties.
It can even be used to strengthen soils and help plants grow more vigorously.
From being a valuable source of nutrition to being an excellent soil conditioner, it is truly an incredible species of fungus with many uses.
Grow Blue Oyster Mushroom With Grow Kits
The average shelf life for blue oyster mushrooms is about 2 weeks. However, there are a few things you can do to extend the shelf life of your mushrooms.
First, make sure you store them in a cool, dark place. Second, keep them in a paper bag rather than a plastic one. And finally, don’t wash them until you’re ready to use them.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your blue oyster mushrooms for longer!
Moreover, blue oyster mushrooms can also be dried. Dried blue oyster mushrooms will keep up to 6 months in an airtight container, however, they’re slightly chewy than fresh ones.
Canned blue oyster mushrooms have a shelf life of 2-3 years if stored in a cool, dry place.
Ultimately, you can consider freezing your oyster mushrooms.
Blue Oyster Mushroom – Where to Buy
Your best bet is to head to your local mushroom growers. Many stores also carry these mushrooms, and you can find them in the produce section.
If you can’t find it at your local store, you can also check out a specialty grocery store or an online retailer.
When buying blue oyster mushrooms, choose firm ones with a bright blue color. Avoid soft or brown/black spotted mushrooms.
Cook within 1-2 days for the best flavor and texture or freeze.
Can’t find them anywhere? Alternatively, buy a blue oyster mushroom-grown kit online and grow it at home!
Blue Oyster Mushroom Recipes
Alright, foodies! Finally, come to the most exciting part – how to cook! (Drum roll please!) Here are some delicious recipes waiting for you to try out!
1. Blue Oyster Mushroom Tostadas
Noreen Wasti, Brightland’s chef-in-residence, has shared the recipe for crunchy, tangy blue oyster mushroom tostadas. The dish is full of flavor with seared blue oyster mushrooms.
2. Blue Oyster Mushroom Snap Pea Stir-fry
With this simple recipe, you can truly enjoy the delicate savory flavor and texture of gourmet mushrooms.
3. Spicy Blue Oyster Mushroom Tacos with Green Tahini Sauce
This recipe fuses flavors from around the world to create a delicious vegan dish!
4. Blue Oyster Mushroom Bao
This recipe is a game-changer! Blue oyster mushroom bao buns really lighten up a Chinese classic.
5. Roasted Blue Oyster Mushrooms and Potatoes
This a delicious recipe for roasted blue oyster mushrooms and fingerling potatoes.
Blue Oyster Mushroom – Final thoughts
Blue oyster mushroom is a unique and delicious fungus that you can enjoy in many different ways.
With its delicate flavor and firm texture, it is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.
If you are looking for a new and exciting way to add mushrooms to your diet, don’t forget to give them a try next time!
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5 Best Blue Oyster Mushroom Recipes
Ingredients
Instructions
- Select a recipe you like above and follow the instructions in the recipe card. Enjoy!