The King of the Oysters

By Melanie Andromidas

The King’s crown ripples and curls around his cap as he looks down upon his subjects. His position as king was secured by his vast size; standing taller than most other oyster mushrooms: somewhere between six and eight inches. Strength shows in his noble stature, a result of his extra thick stem. All this stability is needed to support his hefty cap.

Worthy leaders are more than just powerful, however. Having multiple talents is necessary. Being able to adapt with the times is an essential one for keeping a kingdom thriving. Several oysters have specific recipe types they work best with, leaving them limited. King Oysters, or Pleurotus eryngii, on the other hand, are versatile mushrooms, due to their dense, meaty texture and lack of earthy flavor.

Rich in vitamins and minerals, the King is a splendid addition to just about any diet, especially if you’re looking for a meat replacement. Flourishing in colder weather, they come in strong during late fall and early winter.

Long live the King! While many mushrooms need to be eaten within a week, King Oyster mushrooms last up to ten days when refrigerated in a brown bag. Of course, you still need to be sure they are fully cooked before eating.

Do you have a favorite recipe for King Oyster mushrooms? Feel free to share it in the comments below.

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