Oyster  Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus porrigens  Pleurote and Pleurote en Huitre (French), Austernseitling (German), Hiratake (Japanese)

An oriental mushroom that looks like a pretty white or gray calla lilies with very large caps and short stems.  The mushrooms have a very mild oyster like flavor.  In Europe the coloring ranges from cream to almost black, while in North America, from cream to grayish brown. Oysters are available fresh or dried. 

The Pleurotus ostreatus is the oyster mushroom currently being produced commercially but the commercial variety does not have the same quality of flavor and texture as the wild. This heart-rot fungus is often found covering a tree trunk.  Its color ranges from pure white to steel blue.

The Pleurotus porrigens (Angel Wings) is a related species noted for its pure white color and delicate form

This mushroom's flavor and texture is more delicate than the Pleurotus ostreatus or more commonly known Oyster Mushroom.

Storage  Both Species will keep for more than a week in the refrigerator.  The younger mushrooms will keep longer and have a more desirable texture.

Preparation  Pickled, batter fried, sautéed, stir fried.

The Pleurotus ostreatus should be dipped in cold water to clean prior to use as a black beetle that is especially fond of this mushroom tends to be found in the wild specimens.