All Hail the
King Oyster Mushroom
What Are King Oysters?
Scientific Name: Pleurotus Eryngii
King Oyster mushrooms are the largest species in the Pleurotus (oyster) genus, as you might have assumed from the name. They may also be identified by the names of King Trumpet mushroom, French Horn mushroom, and Trumpet Royale, due to the mushrooms’ appearance resembling much of a “trumpet” shape. Their trumpet figure starts with a firm and thick white stem, often thicker in the middle, and a small tan cap on top. Unlike other gilled mushrooms, they grow individually, rather than in clusters. This species has been growing since ancient times, and is native to Mediterranean regions of Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and some parts of Asia. In nature, they grow every season, feeding off and growing from dead and decaying matter, including the roots of herbaceous plants.
Cooking King Oysters
King Oysters aren’t just popular for their nutritional attributes! This mushroom has a delicious flavor to compliment a variety of dishes. Along with having a strong shelf life of up to 10 days, longer than the majority of other species, they are one of the most versatile mushrooms in the kitchen and are favored in many popular chef’s cuisines. With little to no aroma or flavor in raw form, King Oysters remain thick with a meaty texture when they are cooked, and their flavor is described as an "umami, savory taste with a seafood aroma."
The Wicked Healthy Cookbook, a plant-based cookbook written by The Wicked Kitchen in the UK, has numerous recipes using King Oysters. Order some of our King Oysters and try out some of the recipes on their YouTube channel and be sure to let us know your results!
For instance, this mushroom can be braised, broiled, grilled, sautéed, and stewed. It’s also the perfect companion to soups, stews, sauces, pastas, and vegetable dishes as a substitute for meats and seafood.
A few popular dishes used to cook the King’s with are vegetarian scallops, Asian stir fry's, pizza, and rice dishes. When preparing King Oysters, keep in mind their size is much thicker and larger than most. Allow this meaty mushroom to cook for longer, enabling it to nicely and fully brown.
Creamy King Oyster Mushroom Pasta
The King Oysters meaty texture and umami taste especially reinforce the flavor and consistency desired for vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Here is a recipe using King Oysters for a creamy, vegan pasta. Try it out with some of our Fresh King Trumpets, and send in a picture to be featured on our Instagram!
