Types Of Oyster Mushroom | Poisonous Oyster Mushrooms | Names Of Oyster Mushroom
What Are Oyster Mushrooms?
- Pleurotus is a genus of gilled mushrooms which includes one of the most widely eaten mushrooms, P. ostreatus.
- Species of Pleurotus may be called oyster, abalone, or tree mushrooms, and are some of the most commonly cultivated edible mushrooms in the world.
- Oyster mushroom is a type of edible mushroom. They are considered one of the most popular and widely consumed fungi all around the world.
- Their name derives from the shape of their cap that is similar to that of an oyster.
- Oyster mushrooms are classified as wood-decay fungus in that they digest moist wood. As white-rot fungi, they break down the lignin in wood and help in decomposing our dying trees.
- One can also notice that they share the similar coloration of a raw oyster. The color ranges from grey-ish brown to light grey. However, they have family members that come in a wide variety of colors.
- Oyster mushrooms grow fast and sturdily. They are quite hardy and can tolerate varying weather conditions.
- They are not very picky with their substrate. I’ve seen other people forage for oyster mushrooms among different types of trees in different seasons.
- Oyster mushrooms can be cooked like many other mushrooms why sauteing them in a skillet over low heat with some olive oil or you can put them with some stir fry.
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| Oyster Mushroom |
7 Types of Oyster Mushrooms
1. Pearl Oyster (Pleurotus Ostreatus)
- The poster child of the Oyster Mushroom family, these mushrooms are favorites by people in North America.
- They can be found abundantly in the woods of the USA. In terms of flavor, they have a milder and more tender flavor profile than a shiitake mushroom.
- The taste is described as woodsy but slightly sweet. Add them in your egg dish and it will transform it entirely.
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| Pearl Oyster Mushroom |
2. Blue Oyster (Pleurotus Columbinus)
- The Blue Oyster gets its name because when the mushrooms first start to bloom they have blue caps.
- However, when you find them full-grown the blue color actually turns grey.
- The caps are dark while the gills are pale.
- The distinct contrast between the cap and gill gives it a regal appearance to some. Blue Oysters are favorite additions to Asian cuisines or stews because they don’t lose their shape in soup.
- Another thing to note is that Blue Oysters are often used as meal replacements because of their chewy texture.
- As for taste, one will find it hard to distinguish the taste of a blue Oyster from a pearl Oyster.
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| Blue Oyster Mushroom |
3. Golden Oyster (Pleurotus Citrinopileatus)
- Mostly found in northern areas of Asia and cultivated in China, this fungus has been reported to be finding its place in North American woods. The golden Oyster comes in clusters of bright yellow caps with thin and delicate flesh.
- It has a very distinct fragrance compared to its cousins. Golden Oysters can be eaten braised, in soups, or fried.
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| Golden Oyster Mushroom |
4. Pink Oyster (Pleurotus Djamor)
- With an appearance seemingly inspired by a flamenco dancer, the pink Oyster comes in vibrant pink with a ruffled look.
- Aptly named the flamingo Oyster, this fungi is native to the tropics as they like the warmer temperatures.
- While the flavor profile is a bit similar to its cousins, it has a strong, woody smell and can be tougher than the others.
- If you were counting on its color to stick after cooking then you would be disappointed. Pink Oysters are often used as a substitute for seafood in chowder recipes.
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| Pink Oyster Mushroom |
5. Phoenix Oyster (Pleurotus Pulmonarius)
- Compared to its other cousins, the phoenix Oyster mushroom looks very similar to the Pearl Oyster.
- The only difference is that the caps are smaller and have paler coloration. It also grows a longer stem than a pearl Oyster.
- As for taste, they are pretty much the same although some prefer it over the pearl Oyster for its thicker flesh.
- It can be paired with just about any type of dish but it works best with just garlic and butter and a hot pan.
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| Phoenix Oyster |
6. King Oyster (Pleurotus eryngii)
- Aptly named due to its sheer size compared to the other types of oyster mushrooms, the king oyster looks nothing like its cousins.
- Instead of growing in clusters, king oysters grow individually. They develop thicker and meatier stems with tan-colored caps.
- Also called King Trumpet Oyster mushrooms, they have a soft and crunchy texture when cooked with a savory umami flavor almost similar to that of abalone.
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| King Oyster Mushroom |
7. Elm Oyster (Hypsizygus ulmarius)
- The Elm oyster mushroom is actually not an oyster mushroom and has a misleading name.
- It is not actually a Pleurotus species. The reason it is not considered a true oyster mushroom is because of the gills.
- The gills of a true oyster will run all the way down the stem. A gill of the Elm oyster stop at the base of the stem.
- This look-alike is not poisonous and can be eaten but they do not taste like a true oyster mushroom.
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| Elm Oyster Mushroom |
3 Poisonous Oyster Mushroom Look-Alikes
Jack-O-Lantern (Omphalotus Olearius)
- The Jack-O-Lantern is typically confused with the Chanterelles however to me it looks very similar to on Oyster mushroom so that’s why I added it to this list. It also has gills that run down the stem-like an oyster does.
- The easiest way to identify it is the bright orange color. Oyster mushrooms don’t turn orange.
- This mushroom is not fatal if eaten however it is still poisonous. If eaten you will experience severe vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea.
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| Jack-O-Lantern |
Ivory Funnel (Clitocybe Dealbata)
- This mushroom looks very similar to the Elm oyster but the difference is this one is poisonous.
- It also is different from the true Oyster mushroom in the gills that stop at the base of the stem.
- This mushroom is known as the sweating mushroom because if it ate the poisonous symptoms are increased sweating followed by abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, blurred vision, and labored breathing.
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| Ivory Funnel Mushroom |
Ghost Fungus (Omphalotus Nidiformis)
- This mushroom actually glows in the dark (it has bioluminescent properties)! How cool is that?
- Well, you don’t want to eat it though because it is poisonous. It is not lethal however it will cause severe cramps and vomiting.
- It does resemble the oyster mushroom as the gills extend all the way down the stem. While it’s easy to tell the difference at night the daylight might be a little more difficult.
- It typically only grows in Australia, Japan, and India. So, if you don’t live there you shouldn’t have to worry about it
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| Ghost Fungus |
Where to find it?
You can find this type of mushroom at some grocery stores, health food stores, or Asian grocery stores. You can also find it at farmer’s markets.
Mushroom consultants in India.
Biobritte is an Oyster mushroom supplier company.
You can buy all types of mushroom products from the Biobritte cart.
Top mushroom company.
For more info - https://biobritteagrosolutionspvtltd.in/shop.
Contact on a phone or WhatsApp 9923806933 or 7709709816
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