One of the most cultivated mushrooms on the planet is an oyster mushroom. Despite the unusual name, he is a relative of the usual oyster mushroom, since it also belongs to the same species. From the usual mushrooms it is distinguished by an amazing taste and aroma, which caused a variety of its names: royal mushroom, almond abalone, French horn.
Read more about oyster mushroom
Royal oyster mushroom is a delicate subspecies of oyster mushrooms. It is distinguished by a fleshy thick leg, a small round-shaped hat and, most importantly, an unusual taste, similar to sea shellfish. The mushroom cap can reach 8 cm in diameter, has an irregular plano-convex shape and can be scaly to the touch. In young mushrooms, it is painted a greyish-red color, which, as it grows, turns yellow. Oyster mushrooms do not differ in height - a white leg grows to 4 cm and a width of 2 cm.
It is commonly believed that oyster mushrooms come from the Mediterranean region, although today it is actively grown in the vastness of Australia and Asia. On the territory of our country, it does not occur in its natural habitat, although it can be grown in specially equipped premises. Unlike the usual veshenok, an oyster mushroom can grow exclusively in the ground, although sometimes it can be found in old, rotten stumps. In France, where it is also actively cultivated, special darkened caves are created exclusively for these purposes.
That's interesting! Cultivated it back in antiquity, references to the use of oyster mushroom are found in the texts of Ancient Greece and Egypt. Their inhabitants believed that the use of this product gives immortality, wisdom and unusual strength.
Composition
The oyster mushroom can be compared with white in its composition and taste qualities. At the same time, it is an extremely low-calorie product - 100 g contain only 43 calories.
This type of mushroom is especially rich in potassium, its content is several times higher than in bananas. In addition to it, in the chemical composition it is possible to find:
- amino acids;
- B vitamins;
- vitamin C;
- vitamin E;
- vitamin P;
- ash;
- cellulose;
- macroelements( phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iron, etc.).
Also oyster mushrooms contain a lot of protein with low fat content, its energy value can be represented as follows:
- proteins - 3.31 g( 31%);
- fats - 0.41 g( 9%);
- carbohydrates - 4.17 g( 39%).
One mushroom can reach a weight of about 40 g.
Useful properties and contraindications
Thanks to the wealth of nutrients, the oyster mushroom is very healthy. Its advantages include the ability:
- to purify the body of accumulated slags, toxins, salts of heavy metals due to a large number of specialized enzymes.;
- regulate the work of the heart, prevent the development of heart disease due to the high content of potassium and lecithin( prevents the accumulation of cholesterol);
- to strengthen immunity and resistance to viruses due to high protein content;
- strengthen hair and nails, cleanse and rejuvenate the skin and the body as a whole due to the presence of essential vitamins and amino acids;
- to raise the level of hemoglobin in the blood, regulate the metabolism;
- to fight cancer cells, to prevent their appearance due to the presence of ergotionein, which is a strong antioxidant.
As a rule, royal oyster mushrooms are grown under artificial conditions, where they do not come into contact with possible pollution of the environment, do not absorb toxins and harmful substances from the soil. Therefore, their use is not accompanied by any contraindications.
However, there are some tips for using them, in particular, because of the chitin contained in the mushrooms, there are oyster mushrooms not recommended for children under 14 years old and people suffering from gastrointestinal problems.
Use in Cooking
For its amazing taste, exquisite aroma and low calorie, oyster mushrooms are considered one of the best dietary delicacies that are served in the best restaurants in the world. Although they are not grown in Russia, it is still possible to buy and try to cook this delicacy.
. Like all the others, oyster mushrooms can be served as a snack or main dish, fry, cook, stew. Very delicious are obtained from them salted meats, ragout or mushroom sauces to meat or vegetables. Before cooking, they are recommended to soak in water for several hours. Also, oyster mushrooms can be dried, salted or marinated - in any case they retain all their useful properties.
Royal oyster mushrooms are one of the most delicious delicacies in the world of mushroom dishes. Their unusual taste and aroma can forever conquer any gourmet, and the high content of nutrients and low calorie make him the favorite of people who are watching their health and figure.
Warm salad of four kinds of mushrooms: