Add the Black King mushrooms to the conga line of oyster mushroom nutritional information. Oyster mushrooms contain potassium and antioxidants, which is explained in the Snow/Pearl Oyster article here. They also contain protein and folate, explained in the Blue Oyster article.
Let’s keep it going – oyster mushrooms contain vitamins B and D as well. This includes vitamin B6, which helps break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats while supporting the immune system. Vitamin D helps the body build stronger bones by absorbing calcium and phosphorus. The vitamin isn’t seen as much in foods and often produces naturally from being out in the sun.
Fun fact: Shimofuri is Japanese for “marbled”, referring to the pattern of the mushroom caps. They are whiter in the centre of the cap, transition to a large grayish-brown ring, and are a bit lighter around the edge, all while maintaining the beautiful marbled pattern.
Meal options: Simply break apart the cluster of Black King mushrooms while keeping the stems – they are softer than the King Oyster mushrooms. Add to stir-fries, stews, rice dishes, pasta dishes, or pan fry and include as a side dish.
Disclaimer: Despite the references provided, the information on this page, specifically the Black King’s potential health benefits, are for educational purposes only. These benefits have not been reviewed by Health Canada nor the FDA. Contact your health provider for personal medical advice.
Disclaimer #2: We’re not surprised if the marbled Shimofuri mushroom serves as inspiration for your next kitchen countertop.
]]>The Italian Oyster mushrooms may remind you of a Lamborghini and Ferrari with how quickly they grow.
Along with most Oyster mushrooms growing in our facility, they only take three to five days to go from pinning to harvesting. The Italian Oysters have a smoky grey hue and develop more of a stem than our Snow Oysters.
These Oysters have more carbohydrates than the Blue, Snow, and Pink Oyster mushrooms, according to nutritional information gathered by mycologist Paul Stamets. This includes complex carbohydrates, such as polysaccharides, which are sources of energy and fibre but can also have other health benefits.
Some polysaccharides extracted from the Italian Oyster can target viruses, according to researchers in Russia. They noticed the mushroom extract was active against influenza viruses. The more polysaccharides meant more antiviral activity, said the study.
Beta-glucans, a type of polysaccharide found in mushrooms, can have positive effects against diseases, allergies, and inflammation. A glucan from the Italian Oyster was found to reduce some inflammation and pain, based on research on mice in Brazil. It targeted a type of cytokines, which are proteins that help tell the immune system when and how to respond to inflammation or diseases. The glucan in the Italian Oyster slowed down pro-inflammatory cytokines, which sometimes cause pain to continue instead of anti-inflammatory cytokines promoting healing.
Fun fact: These mushrooms are aggressive. Wild Italian Oysters are not picky either when it comes to trees – they grow on oaks, maples, alders, cottonwoods, poplars, aspens, elms, firs and spruces. Our grow mix containing hardwood pellets is an all-you-can-eat feast for the Italian Oysters, and they are hungry.
Meal options: Like most mushrooms, the Italian Oysters go well when chopped up and added to a stir-fry. They go well with fish, lamb, pork, and vegetarian dishes.
Disclaimer: Despite the references provided, the information on this page, specifically the Italian Oyster’s potential health benefits, are for educational purposes only. Contact your health provider for personal medical advice.
]]>Pioppino mushrooms contain a compound called ceramide, which might have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer potential, according to some research in the United States. The researchers isolated the ceramide from the mushroom and tested it against COX-2 enzymes that contribute to inflammation.
They found the compound noticeably hindered COX-2 and partially challenged stomach, breast, and central nervous system diseases. The researchers suggest eating Pioppino mushrooms regularly could offer these health benefits or complement other anti-inflammatory treatments.
Heading overseas to Serbia, researchers were curious about adding Pioppino mushroom powder to cream cheese. They mixed three grams of dried powder per 100 grams of cream cheese and let the mixture stand for a day.
The majority of the 75 taste testers liked the new mixture more than the plain cream cheese. The researchers also found the Pioppino mushrooms added antioxidants while being low in calories.
Fun fact: Ermolao Barbaro, an Italian scholar of natural sciences during the 1400s, said the Pioppino mushrooms can grow on trunks of poplar trees by spraying them with water and yeast, according to the Institute for Environmental Protection and Research in Italy. It makes more sense now that poplar in Italian is “pioppo”.
Barbaro also wrote about Pedanius Dioscorides, an ancient Greek physician, pharmacist, and botanist. Barbaro’s commentary says the Greeks thought fungi were a food of the gods because the mushrooms grew without needing seeds.
Meal options: Stir-fry the Pioppino mushrooms. With their pork-like flavour, they work in vegetarian and meaty soups, pasta, salad, and rice dishes. They can also be finely chopped and baked in stuffing or cooked in a white sauce to pour on meat or fish.
Disclaimer: Despite the references provided, the information on this page, specifically the Pioppino’s potential health benefits, are for educational purposes only. Contact your health provider for personal medical advice.
]]>For one, the mushroom may reduce the growth of abnormal cells, according to a study in China. Researchers found a lectin in the chestnut mushrooms has antiproliferative activities. Antiproliferative means they tend to suppress cell growth, especially malignant cells which sometimes lead to tumours. In this study, they reportedly slowed down breast cancer and hepatoma cells.
Chestnut mushrooms may help against high blood pressure as well. Another research study found the best signs of this by extracting and analyzing an ACE inhibitor from the chestnuts. ACE inhibitors – or, get ready, “Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors” – relax veins and arteries so blood pressure reduces as a result.
This next study can double as a fun fact and snack idea. Researchers found adding Chestnut mushroom powder to cookies increased the antioxidant activity, which can slow or prevent damage to healthy cells and thus reduce the chance for diseases. You can make the powder by dehydrating mushrooms and then putting them in a food processor.
Fun fact: Even adding a pinch of Chestnut mushroom powder can lead to a better-looking and tasting cookie. Cookies with three per cent of the powder achieved the highest ratings for colour, flavour, taste and texture, compared with cookies with five per cent, one per cent, and no powder. It even softens the cookies.
Meal options: Sautée the mushrooms with olive oil and butter for about three to five minutes and mix them into a risotto. Here is the full recipe.
They also go well in stews with their nutty flavour.
Disclaimer: The information on this page, specifically the Chestnut’s potential health benefits, is for educational purposes only.
Disclaimer #2: There are no studies about Chestnut mushrooms roasting over an open fire.
]]>JCB Gourmet Mushrooms’ founder and CEO says it best when describing the Pink Oyster.
“The Pink is hands down the most beautiful of all of the mushrooms, undeniably,” John Bakker says. “It’s really impressive. And it grows like crazy. Let’s say you had a Pink Oyster grow kit. Within a week, you’d have a harvest.”
The Pink Oyster is a good fibre source; better than King Oysters and Shiitake mushrooms when dried. The latter two mushrooms are still considered important sources of fibre, so it’s really saying something. The fibres in the Pink Oyster are helpful for relaxation and lowering blood cholesterol and sugar levels.
Pink Oysters also have a high number of amino acids, according to the same researchers who studied fibre amounts. A specific type of amino acid, cysteine, was significantly high in Pink Oysters. Cysteine reportedly may play a role in growing hair and reducing the effects of ageing on the skin.
Oyster mushrooms in general are beneficial sources of antioxidants, which may help prevent heart disease and other diseases by fighting free radicals.
Some extract of this mushroom fights bad bacteria as well. This could mean the Pink Oyster hinders some types of infections in the body.
Fun fact: Remember how the Lion’s Mane mushroom has other names based on its appearance, such as the pom-pom mushroom? Pink Oyster mushrooms get similar treatment. Whereas the Lion’s Mane nicknames are related to its furry texture, the Pink Oyster gets comparisons based on its colour. That is why the Pink Oyster is also known as the Flamingo mushroom, the Salmon Oyster mushroom, and the Strawberry mushroom – likely compared to an underripe strawberry.
Meal options: Stir-fry or sautée the Pink Oysters in butter and garlic to make a yummy side dish. Oyster mushrooms also complement pasta dishes and soups. Pink Oysters will lose their colour once cooked.
Disclaimer: Despite the references provided, the information on this page, specifically the Pink Oyster’s potential health benefits, are for educational purposes only.
]]>The Blue Oyster has similar nutrients and health benefits as a result. The main visual difference is the smoky blue or bluish-grey look of the caps when they mature. The Blue Oyster also has a nice smooth transition from the top of the cap to its underside, also known as an even cap margin. Along with being speedy, simple growers and having a unique but pleasant visual appearance, these mushrooms are one of our top sellers.
This mushroom contains potassium and antioxidants like the Pearl Oyster, which is explained more here.
Oyster mushrooms are also a source of protein. One cup of these mushrooms contains about five grams of protein, which can help build and repair body tissue and ensure the body runs the way it’s supposed to. They only contain less than one gram of fat and are an effective source of energy with around 10g of carbohydrates. The mushrooms are a source of folate as well, which helps turn carbohydrates into energy, make red and white blood cells, and produce DNA.
Fun fact: Sea oysters live in groups and clusters called colonies or oyster reefs. The Blue Oyster mushrooms grow similarly to their mollusk mates, in clusters, either in a shelf-like shape in the wild, or close together when growing towards the air in mushroom grow kits.
Meal options: The Blue Oyster mushrooms taste similar, if not identical, to Snow Oysters, with a unique, mild earthy and anise flavour. With a slightly meaty texture, the mushroom caps taste well when stir-fried and add another depth of flavour to soups and pasta. Check out a pasta recipe here that pairs the mushrooms well with a creamy sauce.
Disclaimer: The information on this page, specifically the Blue Oyster’s potential health benefits, is for educational purposes only.
Disclaimer #2: These Blue Oysters are delicious mushrooms, not a rock band. There are also no studies (yet) on what more cowbell would do to Blue Oyster mushrooms.
]]>The Pearl or Snow Oyster is a fast and easy-growing mushroom with a unique taste. It is one of the most cultivated mushrooms in the world as a result. In its natural habitat, the Pearl Oyster grows on hardwood trees, such as oaks, maples, birch, aspens, and other popular trees in Ontario.
The mushroom is high in potassium, a mineral that Canadians may not be consuming enough. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and supports bone and muscle strength. A cup of Pearl Oysters – or 100 grams – can have about 300 to 400 milligrams of potassium. For context, Health Canada recommends 4700 milligrams of potassium intake daily.
Some research claims the Pearl Oyster can be a strong antioxidant, which helps prevent heart disease, cancer, and other diseases. So far, a study showed that an extract of the mushroom lowered oxidative damage in the heart, kidneys, and brain of rats.
The Pearl Oyster may also help lower cholesterol. Studies showed the mushrooms contain lovastatin which can be a medication for high blood cholesterol and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is found more in the caps than the stems.
Fun fact: Life is a marathon, but the life of a Pearl and Snow Oyster is a sprint. When Pearl Oysters begin to fruit, they can be ready to harvest within four to seven days. Once harvested, they store better in a plastic bag so they don’t dry out quickly as well.
Meal options: Stir-fry the Pearl Oysters until they get golden brown. They are a nice addition to pasta, soups, noodle salads, or on their own with other condiments, like garlic and green onion. However, be aware that the stem is chewy.
Disclaimer: Despite the references provided, the information on this page, specifically the Pearl Oyster’s potential health benefits, are for educational purposes only. These benefits have not been reviewed by Health Canada nor the FDA.
Disclaimer #2: If you’re wondering how these Pearl Oysters make a pearl, you’re in the wrong place. But while you’re here, why not check out the rest of our website?
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One unique benefit is the mushroom may improve cognitive functioning, such as memory, concentration, learning and decision-making. A study in Japan discovered that a group of 15 people all aged between 50 to 80 years old saw improvements in their mild cognitive impairment when regularly taking tablets containing the Lion’s Mane. Including the mushroom in a diet may potentially help slow down the effects of diseases affecting the brain and the nervous system as well, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and dementia.
Although research is in the early stages, the mushroom may also be a complementary and alternative way to treat depression and anxiety. This means it may help some of the side effects as well, such as sleep quality.
The Lion’s Mane may be effective on ulcers and inflammations as well, according to studies on subjects in Shanghai, China, who took the mushroom in tablet form.
Fun fact: The shaggy mushroom draws many comparisons to animals and other objects. That’s why the Lion’s Mane mushroom is also called a Monkey’s Head and a Pom Pom. Even the Latin words ‘ericium’ and ‘erinaceus’ in the Lion’s Mane’s botanical name, Hericium erinaceus, both translate to ‘hedgehog’.
Meal options: Try substituting crab with the Lion’s Mane in crab cakes. It has a similar texture when hand-shredded and goes along well with all the ingredients. Check out our recipe here.
The Lion’s Mane also goes as a delicious side dish when cut into half-inch slices and pan-fried in butter and garlic.
Disclaimer: Despite the references provided, the information on this page, specifically the Lion’s Mane’s potential health benefits, are for educational purposes only.
Disclaimer #2: We do not recommend using the Lion’s Mane mushroom as a pom pom replacement, but no one’s stopping you!
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