Latin Name: Pleurotus eryngii
(Also known as King Oyster, Eryngii, King Trumpet,
Pleorote du Panicaut, Argonane, Bouligoule,
Champignon de Garrigue, Cardoncello, Cardarello)

Topics: Natural Habitat and Biology | Storage |
Flavor, Preparationa & Cooking | Nutritional Information |
Medicinal Properties | Cultivation | Recipe

• Read also these articles on,
"Mushrooms: Food and Medicine" and
Recent Medical Research on
Mushroom Health Effects

Natural Habitat & Biology: The King Eryngii can be found in the wild growing on the buried roots of hardwood trees or in Europe, from the base of wild carrots. This stout, thickly fleshed mushroom is very popular in Europe and Japan. Popularity in the United States is increasing as it becomes more available. The mushroom may grow quite large, up to 7 inches long but is generally harvested at a smaller size. It is the only Oyster species that ships well and has an extended shelf-life.
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Storage: Keep refrigerated, store in paper bag. The mushrooms have over a 12 day shelf-life. Over time, as the mushroom dries out, the surface of the stems may yellow and brown without much effect on quality if used in a reasonable amount of time.
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Flavor, Preparation and Cooking: Of all the many cultivated species of Oyster mushrooms, the Golden Gourmet King Eryngii is definitely the best tasting and best textured. While the stem of most other species of Oyster mushrooms tend to be tough and leathery and are often discarded, the stout and thick stem and also the cap of the King Eryngii are firm and pleasantly chewy.Brush off or rinse lightly just before use. Trim off only the very tip of the stem. Because of the very firm and meaty texture of this mushroom, it requires more cooking time than other less "meaty" mushrooms. Saute or stir-fry until edges become a crispy, golden brown. It goes very well with Italian dishes. It is also excellent grilled, barbequed and tempura deep-fried.
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Nutritional Information:

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Medicinal Properties: Oyster mushrooms produce a natural form of the drug Lovastatin® a drug used for treating high blood cholesterol. Research on mice suggest that it may have anti-tumorial properties. A beta glucan found in Oyster mushrooms, Pleuran, has anti-oxidant effects and may be useful in preventing some cancers from metastasising. The fiber in King Eryngii mushrooms appear to be helpful in promoting healthy bowel function.
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Cultivation: Golden Gourmet Mushrooms King Eryngii is grown in re-usable polypropylene bottles using cultivation techniques developed Japan and California. The King Eryngii is more difficult and slower to grow and also tends to have lower yields than other cultivated oyster species but the extra time and trouble are well worth it.
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Topics: Natural Habitat and Biology | Storage |
Flavor, Preparationa & Cooking | Nutritional Information |
Medicinal Properties | Cultivation | Recipe

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