Prairie Fungal Farms Inc.
Cap
The cap is golden or bright yellow, fan-shaped or oyster-like, with smooth, slightly wavy edges. It typically measures about 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 inches) across.
Stem
The stem is relatively short and often off-center, which gives the mushroom its characteristic oyster shape. It is usually white or yellowish.
Texture
The flesh of the golden oyster mushroom is tender and somewhat delicate, making it ideal for quick cooking methods like sauteing or stir-frying.
Taste
It has a mild, nutty flavor with a subtle sweetness. The taste is generally well-received and complements a wide variety of dishes.
Golden oyster mushrooms are versatile and can be used in a range of dishes. They work well in stir-fry, soups, risottos, and as a topping for pizzas or pasta. Their vibrant colour also adds a visual appeal to dishes.
Pairs exceptionally well with seafood.
The stem base ( bulb) is full of flavor and works well for sauces, soups and stews.
Culinary Uses
Cap
The cap is typically fan-shaped or oyster-shaped, with smooth, slightly wavy edges. It can range from 5 to 15 cm (2 to 6 inches) across.
Stem
The stem is relatively short and often off-center, which gives the mushroom its characteristic oyster shape.
Texture
The flesh of the pink oyster mushroom is tender yet somewhat firm. It has a unique texture that makes it stand out in various dishes.
Taste
The flavour is mild and slightly sweet with a delicate, savoury undertone. Some people describe it as having a subtle seafood-like quality, which complements a variety of culinary uses.
Pink oyster mushrooms are quite versatile in the kitchen. They can be used in stir-fry, soups and sautés. When sliced thinly and sauteed in butter they can resemble cooked bacon in flavour.
Culinary Uses
Cap
The cap is typically fan-shaped or oyster-shaped, with smooth, slightly wavy edges. It ranges in size from about 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 inches) across.
Stem
The stem is relatively short and often off-center, similar to other oyster mushrooms. It can be white or blue-gray, and it is usually less pronounced than the cap.
Texture
The flesh of the blue oyster mushroom is tender yet slightly meaty. It holds up well to cooking and maintains a good texture in various dishes.
Taste
It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a subtle umami note. The taste is often described as nutty or earthy, making it a versatile ingredient for many recipes.
Blue oyster mushrooms can be used in a variety of dishes including stir-fry, soups, and salads. They also work well as a topping for pizzas or in pasta dishes. Their unique colour can add a distinctive look to culinary creations.
Culinary Uses
White Elm Oyster
The white elm oyster mushroom is valued for its clean, delicate flavour and its aesthetic appeal. It is a beautiful and versatile variety that adds both visual appeal and a mild, pleasant flavor to a wide range of dishes. It’s also appreciated for its nutritional benefits, including being a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Cap
The cap is fan-shaped or oyster-shaped, with smooth, slightly wavy edges. It can grow to about 5 to 12 cm (2 to 5 inches) in diameter. The cap starts out convex and becomes more flat as it matures, often displaying a slightly rippled or wavy surface.
Stem
The stem is relatively short and often off-center. It is typically white or pale and may be slightly fibrous.
Texture
The flesh of the white elm oyster mushroom is tender and somewhat delicate, but it holds up well to various cooking methods.
Taste
The flavour is mild, slightly nutty, and subtly earthy. The taste is delicate and complements a wide range of dishes without overpowering other ingredients.
White elm oyster mushrooms are versatile in the kitchen. They are excellent in stir-fry, soups, salads, and pasta dishes. Their neutral colour and mild flavor make them a great ingredient for dishes where you want a subtle mushroom taste without dominating the overall flavor profile.
Culinary Uses
Texture
The flesh of the black pearl king oyster mushroom is dense and meaty. It has a hearty texture that holds up well during cooking, making it suitable for a variety of culinary applications.
Taste
The flavor is mild, slightly nutty, and subtly sweet. It has a delicate umami quality that enhances a range of dishes without overwhelming other flavours.
Black pearl king oyster mushrooms are versatile and can be used in various dishes. They are excellent when sautéed, grilled, or roasted. Their robust texture makes them a good substitute for meat in vegetarian and vegan recipes. They are also great in soups, stir-fry, and as a standalone dish or garnish.
Culinary Uses
Lion's Mane
A distinctive and fascinating fungus known for its distinctive flavour, unique appearance and potential health benefits.
Lion's mane mushrooms are typically white or off-white. As they mature, they may develop a slightly yellowish or beige hue. The mushroom grows in a spherical or clumped shape, with long, white spines or teeth that cascade downward, creating a shaggy, mane-like look.
Texture
The spines are soft and tender, giving the mushroom a somewhat delicate texture. The flesh of lion’s mane mushroom is dense and meaty, with a texture that is often described as similar to crab or lobster meat when cooked.
Health Benefits
Lion’s mane mushrooms are celebrated for their potential health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and polysaccharides that may support brain health, improve cognitive function, and enhance mood. Some studies suggest they may help with nerve regeneration and have neuroprotective effects.
Taste
The flavour is mild, slightly sweet, and somewhat nutty, with a subtle seafood-like quality. This makes it a popular choice for dishes where a rich, savory flavour is desired without being overpowering.
Culinary Uses
Lion’s mane mushrooms can be prepared in a variety of ways. They are excellent sautéed, grilled, or roasted, and are often used in soups, stir-fry, and as a meat substitute in various recipes. The texture holds up well to cooking, making it a versatile ingredient in both savory and some sweet dishes.