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Blue Oyster
Pleurotus columbinus
The most forgiving mushroom for beginners. Blue Oysters thrive in cooler temperatures and produce beautiful blue-grey clusters with a meaty, savory flavor that works in almost any recipe.
DID YOU KNOW?
Blue Oysters are one of the few mushrooms that prefer cold temperatures — they'll fruit happily in an unheated garage.
OPTIMAL CONDITIONS
Temperature
55–65°F
Humidity
85–95%
Fresh Air Exchange
High
SUBSTRATE OPTIONS
Straw
Pasteurized wheat straw. Classic and reliable.
Hardwood Sawdust
Oak, maple, or beech. More consistent yields.
GROWING TIMELINE
Inoculation
1 day
Introduce grain spawn to pasteurized substrate.
Colonization
10-14 days
Mycelium colonizes substrate in cool, dark conditions.
Fruiting
3-5 days
Blue-grey pins emerge and develop into clusters with fresh air exchange.
Harvest
5-7 days
Clusters reach full size with firm, meaty caps.
HARVEST TIPS
- ✓Harvest when caps are still slightly curled under — don't wait for full flatten
- ✓Best harvested in the morning when humidity is highest
- ✓Cut at the base of the cluster, not individual mushrooms
IN THE KITCHEN
- 🍳Meaty texture perfect for stews and soups
- 🍳Sauté with thyme and white wine
- 🍳Great substitute for chicken in pasta dishes
MEDICINAL BENEFITS
- 💊High in protein and fiber
- 💊Contains beta-glucans for immune support
- 💊Good source of B vitamins and minerals