Oyster mushroom, Tree oyster mushroom
Pleurotus ostreatus
Family: Pleurotaceae
What it is like
A mushroom. It is a white to grey to pink mushroom. It is fan shaped. The cap is 5-15 cm across. It is moist and spongy. The gills run down the stem and are widely separated. The stem is white, short and firm. They grow in shelf-like layers.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. They grow and form clumps in dead trees. It grows in wooded areas.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Armenia, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Britain, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Caucasus, Central America, Central Asia, China, Costa Rica, Europe, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Himalayas, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, Nepal, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Russia, SE Asia, Serbia, Sicily, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, Taiwan, Tasmania, Thailand, Turkey, Türkiye, USA, West Africa, West Timor
How it is used for food
It is edible but can cause diarrhea and intestinal troubles in some people. The young fruiting bodies are used in soups, pastas and seafood dishes. They are stewed, sauteed in butter, prepared in tempura, used in soups, sauces and casseroles. It can be dried or preserved in oil. They are also frozen or canned.
It is sold in local markets.
Edible parts
Fungus, spice, mushroom, vegetable
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Abalone mushroom, Akandjasunk, Bamboo sati, Hed rang rom Bhutan, Hiratake, Hira-take, How gu, Inyik, Kakhasunk, Kanney, Kannye chyau, K'almakha, Marmo syamu, Mukhum hafalam, Naki shamong, Oyster mushroom, Patak, Pinggu, Pleurotte, Shimeji, Tit lakhar, Uyen, Welu sati