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Oyster Mushroom Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to oyster mushrooms
About oyster mushrooms
Among vegetables, mushrooms evoke a range of emotions. Some people are devotees; others can't stomach them, while still others could take them or leave them. Wherever you fall on that scale, there is no denying that mushrooms come with a sense of mystery. They are part of the fungal kingdom, which mostly exists underground and only a small portion of which is known to scientists.
One of the most popular mushrooms is the oyster mushroom, so named because it bears a resemblance to a shucked oyster. Here is everything you need to know about the delicious and nutritious oyster mushroom.
The oyster mushroom is one of the most common of all the edible mushrooms. It has a long and consistent growing cycle, making it available in supermarkets and at farm markets year-round. The oyster mushroom tends to peak, however, in mid-to-late summer, stretching into fall.
Oyster mushrooms have a unique look. They come with a short stem but medium-to-large caps that vary in size from 5 centimeters to 25 centimeters. The edges tend to curl and even in later stages seem to appear wavy. Underneath the caps, you will find a well-developed set of gills. The proper color for oyster mushrooms ranges from gray, to brown and tan, to a pinkish-yellow. The oyster mushroom is firm and meaty, and because of its size, it typically requires some level of cooking preparation.
People describe the oyster mushroom as having a mild, nutty flavor with a bittersweet aroma. The taste is often likened to anise. The mushroom grows in nature, typically around trees. It is often utilized in Asian-region cooking, playing a role in cuisines from Japan, China, and Korea. China, in fact, is the world's largest exporter of the oyster mushroom.
How to pick out oyster mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are freshest when they show a spongy, white texture. Avoid any oyster mushrooms that appear wilted and include dark spots. You want a firm, smooth surface on the caps. Any noticeable blemishes suggest that the mushroom was exposed to too much water before it was picked and has begun to deteriorate. Keep oyster mushrooms in a brown paper bag in your refrigerator before eating. Oyster mushrooms can be frozen for about three months.
If you are adventurous and would like to go mushroom picking yourself, look around the base of various trees; oyster mushrooms seem to have an affinity for dead or dying beech trees.
Cooking tips for oyster mushrooms
The oyster mushroom responds to all types of cooking, including stir-frying, braising, roasting, frying, grilling, or sauteing. One important note to be successful using oyster mushrooms: Be wary of recipes that require large quantities of water. Oyster mushrooms will soak up the water. As with all fresh produce, the mushrooms should be cleaned, but you do not have to overdo it. Oyster mushrooms do not have to be immersed or run under the faucet. One cooking expert advises simply wiping them with a damp paper towel.
Oyster Mushroom Near Me
Buy your favorite Oyster Mushroom online with Instacart. Order Oyster Mushroom from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
FAQs about oyster mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms can be eaten as a meal; you will find many recipes online that will allow you to create a tasty dish such as pan-fried mushrooms mixed with garlic and green onions. They go well in pasta dishes, on hamburgers or other sandwiches, or, of course, on a variety of Chinese or other Asian dishes. You might have luck looking for polenta recipes featuring oyster mushrooms, or stir-fry dishes featuring chicken or other meats. Raw oyster mushrooms have about 28 calories, 3 grams of protein and 5 grams of carbohydrates, and absolutely no fat.
Oyster mushrooms were first discovered by a Dutch researcher in the late 1700s. As our knowledge of mushrooms in general, and oyster mushrooms specifically, has grown, scientists have found applications in medicine and the environment.
Oyster mushrooms are considered a "carnivorous mushroom," according to the Specialty Produce website. That means they are known to consume bacteria and other harmful organisms. Specialty Produce indicates that oyster mushrooms may offer an "alternative way to clean toxins from the environment" — though more study is definitely required.
Different varieties of mushrooms provide different taste profiles and dietary benefits. They are typically found in Asian markets but also larger groceries that keep up a good selection of fresh produce.
You don't have to leave home to get oyster mushrooms in your kitchen. Add oyster mushrooms to your shopping cart the next time you use the Instacart app. Instacart shoppers will pick out the right oyster mushrooms for you as they also fulfill all your other grocery needs. You will save time and money using the Instacart app; we will do our best to get your order delivered the same day!