Thistle mushrooms

The oyster mushroom is one of the best known and most consumed mushrooms in Spain. They are characterized by having a brownish cap, a white foot (without ring or volva) and tight and pronounced blades of a similar color to the foot. Their sweet but mild flavor makes them an ideal ingredient for recipes.

Thistle mushroom, scientifically known as Pleurotus eryngii is usually abundant during the autumn months (October to December) and grows two or three weeks after the first rains.

What is the thistle mushroom?

The thistle mushroom is a basidiomycete fungus of the order Agaricales. This mushroom is one of the most popular in Spain.

It is highly appreciated for its flavor. In addition, the thistle mushroom comes in a wide variety of brownish shades; the color ranges from cream to dark brown. As for its appearance, it has a more or less convex cap, initially circular and at maturity more irregular up to about 8 cm. On the other hand, its lamellae are whitish and decurrent on the stem, which is usually thick and short.

What is the thistle mushroom scientifically called?

Thistle mushrooms are scientifically known as Pleurotus eryngii.

When is the oyster mushroom season?

The good thing about the thistle mushrooms is that they are distributed throughout the year. By this we mean that you can find them in the autumn and winter months as well as in the spring. However, they usually appear during autumn, when the rains begin to arrive and the mycelia become active.

In the case of winter, only you will find oyster mushroom in those areas where the season is not very cold and no frost has been generated.

Where is the thistle mushroom found?

The thistle mushroom grows in sunny areas where there is not much vegetation in the form of trees and also in areas where livestock animals regularly graze. The "manure" left by the animals on these lands causes the reproduction of thistle mushrooms to proliferate.

What are the properties of the thistle mushroom?

The oyster mushroom contains elements that make it very attractive from a health point of view. On the one hand, it is rich in fiber and vitamins, especially B vitamins, which are those that help us to develop and promote the immune system. The fiber also makes it recommended in diets to treat constipation.

In turn, some of the properties of thistle mushroom are:

-        Rich in Vitamin B2, which favors intercellular oxygenating activity, improving the state of the cells of the nervous system and collaborates in the regeneration of tissues such as skin, hair, nails and mucous membranes, and especially in the integrity of the cornea, thus contributing to improve visual health.

-         It contains potassium which, together with sodium, is responsible for regulating the acid-base balance and the concentration of water in blood and tissues.

-         Iodine. It favors the functioning of the nervous and muscular tissues, as well as the circulatory system.

-         It contains 91% water, which favors the hydration of our organism.

Nutritional information 100 g thistle mushrooms

Energy: 25.00 Kcal

Protein: 1.80 g

Carbohydrates: 4.00 g

Water: 91.40 g

Calcium: 9.00 mg

Iron: 1.00 mg

Iodine: 15.00 mg

Magnesium: 12.20 mg

Zinc: 0.46 mg

Selenium: 7.00 mg

Sodium: 5.00 mg

Potassium: 520.00 mg

Phosphorus: 95.00 mg     

Fiber: 1.67 g

Where to buy oyster mushrooms in Madrid?

At Frutas Charito pou will be able to buy high quality cardoon mushrooms at a very good price. We have a physical store of fruit and vegetables in Madrid located at C/ Bolivia, 9, Bancas 2-8, Ground Floor, Mercado de Chamartin, we will be happy to assist you! If you prefer you can also place your order online.

What is the flavor of the thistle mushroom?

The oyster mushrooms have a meaty with a mild and light flavor that is easily integrated into many recipes. It has a delicate flavor, between sweet and fruity.

How to eat the thistle mushroom?

What is certain is that you can eat thistle mushroom in several ways. As it is so meaty, it works very well. It is most commonly consumed "undercooked", accompanied by salt and a good oil.

Recipe with oyster mushrooms

-         Dish of oyster mushrooms with garlic and parsley

It is a recipe with a lot of aroma and flavor, simple, economical and with many nutrients. This dish is commonly prepared during the autumn months.

Ingredients:

-         1 K of oyster mushrooms

-         Approximately 3 cloves of garlic

-         2 sprigs of parsley

-         ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

-         A pinch of salt

-         6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Elaboration:

1.      Peel and cut the garlic cloves into very small pieces.

2.      Wash and dry the parsley. Cut it into very small pieces. Set aside.

3.      Wipe the oyster mushrooms with a damp cloth, if necessary.

4.      Cut the mushrooms lengthwise to a width of approximately 1 cm. .

5.      In a frying pan, pour the 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Heat over medium-high heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté until it begins to brown.

6.      Next, add the chopped thistle mushrooms to the pan and add a pinch of salt. Stir and cook for 90 seconds.

7.      Add the chopped parsley to the mushrooms and stir gently. Cook over medium heat until all the water in the mushrooms has evaporated.

8.      Season with salt, remove and serve hot.