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King Oyster
Pleurotus eryngii
The steak of the mushroom world. King Oysters grow thick, meaty stems that sear beautifully and deliver a scallop-like texture that impresses even non-mushroom lovers.
DID YOU KNOW?
King Oysters are the only oyster mushroom species that doesn't grow on trees in the wild — they're actually parasites of Eryngium (sea holly) roots.
OPTIMAL CONDITIONS
Temperature
55–65°F
Humidity
85–90%
Fresh Air Exchange
High
SUBSTRATE OPTIONS
Hardwood Sawdust
Supplemented with wheat bran and gypsum. Best results.
Straw
Mixed with sawdust for improved structure.
GROWING TIMELINE
Inoculation
1 day
Introduce grain spawn to sterilized supplemented sawdust.
Colonization
14-21 days
Mycelium fully colonizes the substrate block.
Fruiting initiation
5-7 days
Reduce temperature and increase fresh air to trigger pinning.
Harvest
7-10 days
Thick stems develop with small caps — the prized part of this species.
HARVEST TIPS
- ✓Harvest when caps begin to flatten and turn slightly upward
- ✓The thick stem is the prize — don't discard it
- ✓Score stems before searing for beautiful caramelization
IN THE KITCHEN
- 🍳Score and sear like scallops — nearly identical texture
- 🍳Slice thick rounds for mushroom 'steaks'
- 🍳Excellent in risotto and pasta dishes
MEDICINAL BENEFITS
- 💊High in ergothioneine (powerful antioxidant)
- 💊Supports cardiovascular health
- 💊Rich in B vitamins and potassium