Oyster mushrooms

Description

Oyster mushrooms are delicate, fan-shaped fungi with wavy, plate-like caps in shades of white, gray, or beige and dense gills. They have a pleasant umami flavor with a slightly nutty or marine note and a meaty, firm texture, making them a great meat substitute in many dishes. In the kitchen, they are suitable for frying, grilling, braising, as an addition to soups, sauces, pasta, risotto, Asian dishes, or breaded and baked as "steak" or "shrimp" in vegan versions. Nutritionally, oyster mushrooms are low in calories, rich in plant protein, fiber, B vitamins, potassium, selenium, as well as antioxidants and beta-glucans that support the immune system. They are best stored in the refrigerator, loosely wrapped in a paper towel or in a paper bag, avoiding airtight containers; fresh ones should be used within a few days. They can also be briefly sautéed before freezing or dried for longer storage.