Gourmet Flavor Profiles
Pink Oyster
Pleurotus djamor
Flavor Profile:
- Has a seafood-like aroma and taste
- Their flavor is also commonly compared to bacon or ham
- Has a meaty texture
- The flavors intensifies when cooked, like most mushrooms
Popular Uses in Cooking:
- Makes a tasty addition to soups
- Fry to make vegan bacon!
- Add to pasta dishes for some added flavor and texture
- Makes delicious stir frys
Growing Conditions:
- Colonization time: 1-3 weeks
- Fruiting time: 5-9 days
- Humidity: at least 70%, but 80% is ideal
- Temperature: 65-85°F
Trumpet/King Oyster
Pleurotus eryngii
Flavor Profile:
- Known for their very savory taste
- Both earthy and aromatic
- They have a dense and meat-like texture. Often compared to the texture of scallops
Popular Uses in Cooking:
- Great ingredient for stir frys
- Often used as a vegan substitute for scallops and calamari
- Taste great on their own when fried!
- Pairs well with most meats
- Shred, saute, add your favorite BBQ sauce for vegan “pulled pork”
Growing Conditions:
- Colonization time: 2-4 weeks
- Fruiting time: 6-9 days
- Humidity: at least 70%, but 80% is ideal
- Temperature: 65-80°F
Pioppino/Black Poplar
Agrocybe aegerita
Flavor Profile:
- Has a nutty profile and can be slightly sweet
- Has peppery undernotes which can add a nice flavor to many dishes
- Their aroma is earthy and slightly floral
- Firm and slightly crunchy texture. Often compared to the texture of cooked asparagus
Popular Uses in Cooking
- Wonderful addition to most pasta dishes
- Great in mushroom risottos
- Saute and use as a steak topper
- They take soups to the next level!
Growing Conditions:
- Colonization time: 2-4weeks
- Fruiting time: 5-9 days
- Humidity: 75-90%
- Temperature: 60-75°F (cooler the better)
Chestnut Mushroom
Pholiota adiposa
Flavor Profile:
- Characterized by its nutty flavor, which is how it got its name “Chestnut mushroom”
- Known to have a slightly sweet undertones
- Richy and earthy aromas and flavors
- Stays crunchy, even after being cooked
Popular Uses in Cooking:
- Can be made into delicious broths
- Used to make flavorful crème sauces for pasta dishes
- Notable addition to soups
- Saute and add to salads
Growing Conditions:
- Colonization time: 4-6 weeks
- Fruiting time: 10-14 days
- Humidity: 85-90%.
- Temperature: 50-75°F
Yellow Oyster
Pleurotus citrinopileatus
Flavor Profile:
- Sweet and mildly nutty, similar to cashews
- Some say it has a slight hint of citrus
- They’re light and very refreshing- great for summer meals
- When being cooked, they release a fruity aroma that is compared to aged wine
Popular Uses in Cooking:
- Slice, season, and sautee or grilled to make oyster mushroom steaks
- Their unique flavor makes them wonderful sauteed in oil or butter and served on their own
- Makes an amazing and unique pizza topper
- Give them a nice crunch by throwing them in the air fryer
Growing Conditions:
- Colonization time: 10-14 days
- Fruiting time: 5-10 days
- Humidity: 70-90%
- Temperature: 65-85°F (warmer the better)