Black Pearl King Oyster

The Black Pearl King Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus variety) was first produced in Japan by crossing asian and european Pearl Oyster Mushroom strains, so is not a true hybrid. When top-fruited, they resemble miniature King Oyster Mushrooms, but with a more delicate texture and beautifully contrasting dark caps and white stems. Like King Oyster Mushrooms, the stem part of the mushroom ("stipe") is a good source of versatile 'mushroom meat' which can easily be processed into simulated meat shapes, e.g. 'breasts', fillets and steaks. Individual King Oyster Mushrooms look somewhat like chicken drumsticks; Black Pearl King Oyster Mushrooms, when divided up from a typical fruiting cluster, look more like chicken wings in size and shape. Their mild flavour readily absorbs any spices or seasoning flavours added, making it a great mushroom for sauté, and addition to soup, stew, stir-fry, pasta, rice or noodle dishes, but just as at home with potatoes or salads. Try in any recipe replacing chicken.