15% off £25 OR 20% off £35

Code:CHOOSE
 

15% off £25 OR 20% off £35

Code:CHOOSE

OffersBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 Price25% off Online Only OfferBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free Event3 for 2 Mix & MatchOutlet2 for £60 Mix & MatchShort Dated2 for £5 Mix & MatchBuy more save 10%Vitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllHair, Skin & NailsCollagen & SilicaMuscle Support & Joint PainDigestive HealthMagnesiumFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals5 HTPDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthPerimenopauseMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesAt-Home TestsVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicWeledaBioglanGrass & Co.BetterYouNature's WayNatures AidBuy one get one 1/2 price25% off Online Only OfferSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletShort DatedDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkChristmas Food & GiftsFood & Drink Shop AllDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstitutesMushroom DrinksHot ChocolateTeasSuperfood TeasMatcha & Green TeaHerbal TeaPeppermint TeaSleep & RelaxationSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSyrupsSpreadsPateDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksCoconut WaterKombuchaCBD DrinksSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksProtein ShakesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood BlendsSupergreensMoringa PowderSpirulinaMaca PowderFlaxseedBaobabChia SeedsGoji BerriesGut HealthSnacksShop all SnacksSweet SnacksSavoury SnacksLow Calorie SnacksChocolateCrisps & ChipsCrackers & CrispbreadsBiscuits & CookiesSnack BarsFlapjacksLiquoricePopcornVegan FoodShop all Vegan FoodMeat-Free AlternativesDairy Free DrinksEgg SubstitutesVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsGravy, Broths & StockBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsTinned FoodsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy, Broths & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking IngredientsBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy Free DrinksShop all Dairy Free DrinksOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadeHuelHeath & HeatherPukkaTwiningsNakdPerfectTedManuka DoctorSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price25% off Online Only Offer3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventShort DatedOutletGluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSugar FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeFish FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinWhey ProteinClear ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinDiet ProteinCaseinSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneElectrolytesEnergy GelsSports CollagenCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderCreatine CapsulesBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutCaffeine Free Pre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutPost WorkoutKetoAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersBCAAL-LysineGlutamineCarnitineArginineVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentOptimum NutritionPrecision EngineeredUSNGrenadeApplied NutritionMyproteinPhDHuelSiSYfoodSave up to 1/2 Price25% off Online Only OfferBuy one get one 1/2 price2 for £60 Mix & Match2 for £25 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreePalm Oil FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeNew inBeautyGiftsNatural Beauty Shop AllSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsCBD BeautyFace CareShop all Face CareCleanser & TonerFace MoisturiserFace Oil & SerumFace WashFace Exfoliators & ScrubsFace MasksHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesFeminine CareShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsIncontinence SupportAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaSukinQ+ATrilogyChilds FarmBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutlet25% off Online Only OfferAlcohol FreeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeGluten FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeDairy FreeEgg FreeFish FreeNew inChristmasCBDShop all CBDCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesCBD Food & DrinkCBD BeautyGrass & Co.Cannaray CBDCBDfxTRIPfourfiveHolistic HerbHolland & BarrettReakiroLove HempBody & Mind BotanicalsBuy one get one 1/2 price25% off Online Only OfferSave up to 1/2 PriceOutletDairy FreeAlcohol FreeGluten FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsSlimming TabletsWeight Management Shakes Shop all Weight Management Shakes Meal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkHealthier CookingLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeasExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinProtein BarsHolland & BarrettUSNEat WaterIdeal HealthBraggGrenadeNatures AidSlimExpertFrejaInsane GrainBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 Price25% off Online Only Offer2 for £12 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventBuy 1 Get 1 FreeShort DatedGluten FreeSugar FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeNew inHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessEnergyJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthHair Skin & NailsStress AnxietySleep & RelaxationHolland & BarrettVitabioticsNaturtintWeledaSolgarOptimum NutritionDr OrganicBetterYouApplied NutritionNew NordicBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 Price25% off Online Only OfferBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventBuy 1 Get 1 Free3 for 2 Mix & Match2 for £60 Mix & MatchOutletDairy FreeGluten FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeNew inMedicines and HealthcareVeganShop for your WellnessGut HealthImmunityEnergySkincareWomen's HealthMenstrual HealthMenopauseJoints, Bones & MusclesHair, Skin & NailsSleep & RelaxationFood & DietChildren's HealthStress ReliefHealthy HeartLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthLearn about WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesWomen's HealthPeriods & Cycle HealthMenopauseImmunityGut HealthFood & DietSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast

Explore related topics

Guide to oyster mushrooms

Laura Harcourt

Written byLaura Harcourt

oyster mushrooms
A popular type of mushroom, oyster mushrooms are linked to many health benefits. From promoting heart health to boosting your immune system, learn more from our guide.

Summary

1What are oyster mushrooms?

Oyster mushrooms, or Pleurotus ostreatus, are a family of edible gilled mushrooms with a large, fleshy, fan-shaped appearance and a short stem.

2Oyster mushroom identification

Oyster mushrooms are generally easy to identify. They have a pale grey or white cap and a frilly edge that rolls inward slightly.

3Nutritional value of oyster mushrooms

When it comes to nutrition, oyster mushrooms contain a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals, like potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins...

Explore related topics

Mushrooms are taking the wellness world by storm, and there’s no wonder. Delicious and packed with nutrients, it's believed that there's so much more to these edible fungi than meets the eye.  

Oyster mushrooms are one of the most cultivated types of mushrooms in the world, and their popularity has only increased in recent years. With their light texture and mild flavour, oyster mushrooms have been used in recipes for centuries, but it’s thought they could hold some potential health benefits too.1 

Here we’ll give you the lowdown on all you need to know about oyster mushrooms, their possible benefits, side effects and more. 

What are oyster mushrooms?


Oyster mushrooms, or Pleurotus ostreatus, are a family of edible gilled mushrooms with a large, fleshy, fan-shaped appearance and a short stem. Their caps often have a frilly edge and resemble their namesake, oysters.2  

These white mushroom oysters are very common in woodlands in the UK as they like to grow in clusters on hardwood, deciduous trees like beech, earning them the nickname ‘tree mushrooms’.3 They also grow well in many other countries worldwide and have become a popular ingredient in many Chinese, Japanese and Korean recipes, where they're highly valued for their soft texture and mild, nutty flavour.4  

Oyster mushrooms are one of the few species known to be carnivorous, as they can kill a species of tiny worms called nematodes to get more nitrogen in their diet.5 6  

How many species are there?

How many species are there?

There are over 40 species of oyster mushrooms, but the most common are7

  • King oyster mushrooms 
  • Pink oyster mushrooms 
  • Pearl oyster mushrooms 
  • Blue oyster mushrooms 
  • Golden oyster mushrooms  

Containing a variety of plant compounds, oyster mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine practices for many years, so many people believe in their possible health benefits.8  

Oyster mushroom identification


Oyster mushrooms are generally easy to identify. They have a pale grey or white cap and a frilly edge that rolls inward slightly. Underneath, you’ll see they have crowded white gills that run from the cap edge down the stem. Their stems are short, usually only a few centimetres long and have a fluffy appearance.9  

False oyster mushroom identification is possible. So, before touching or eating any mushroom you find, make sure you check what it is across multiple sources and that you're 100% confident about what kind of mushroom it is. If in doubt, leave it well alone! 

Handpicked Content: Poisonous muhrooms to avoid

Nutritional value of oyster mushrooms


When it comes to nutrition, oyster mushrooms contain a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals, like potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins, as well as lots of antioxidants.10 Oyster mushrooms are also low in calories, fat, and cholesterol. 100g of oyster mushrooms contain11:  

  • 33 calories 
  • 3.31g of protein 
  • 6.09g of carbohydrates 
  • 2.3g of fibre 
  • 0.41g of fat 

The possible benefits of oyster mushrooms

Rich in many nutrients, it’s thought that oyster mushrooms may hold a range of benefits for your health. However, it's important to note that research is still developing regarding whether oyster mushrooms can benefit your health.

Here are 4 potential oyster mushroom health benefits:

They may be high in antioxidants

Oyster mushrooms are believed to be a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect your body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals.12
 

They may help lower cholesterol

Some research suggests that oyster mushrooms contain beta-glucans which can help reduce cholesterol production in your body. But more research is needed here.13 14
 

They may help regulate your blood sugar

In 2020, scientists reviewed previous research that attributed oyster mushrooms to controlling blood sugar. They suggested that the beta-glucans in oyster mushrooms may be the cause as they help to slow down digestion and absorption. However, research is still developing here.15
 

They may help to support your immune system

Research has shown potential links between oyster mushrooms and your immune system. They believe that oyster mushrooms help to activate infection-fighting molecules in your body. However, more research is needed here.16
 

The potential side effects of oyster mushrooms

The potential side effects of oyster mushrooms

There's very little information on whether oyster mushrooms are safe for everyone, so it's essential to always check with a doctor before adding oyster mushrooms to your diet, particularly if you're taking any medication.  

Most research conducted into oyster mushrooms is limited, as is the knowledge of potential side effects. As with any food product there's always a risk of allergies, so if you react to oyster mushrooms in any way, you should stop consuming them.

If you know you have a mushroom allergy or are sensitive to them, you should avoid oyster mushrooms altogether. 

Oyster mushrooms are sometimes thought to cause mild stomach aches or nausea, so making sure you take a safe dose is important. You should also always stick to the recommended serving size, usually stated on the packaging. 

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it's recommended that you steer clear of oyster mushrooms because there isn't enough information available for it to be considered safe. 

Cooking oyster mushrooms


Oyster mushrooms can come in many forms, like fresh or dried. You can eat raw oyster mushrooms, which are a great addition to salads, but sometimes they can have a slight metallic taste if they’re uncooked. 

Cooking oyster mushrooms is simple, and when cooked, they have a subtle flavour and a velvet-like texture. These mushrooms are so versatile that the best way to cook oyster mushrooms is by sautéing, braising, roasting and frying or simply adding them to stir-fries as a meat alternative – the choice is yours! 

Here are some ways you can cook up oyster mushrooms to add to your diet: 

  1. Stir fry some oyster mushrooms and add them to your favourite pasta or risotto 
  2. Braise them and add them to a hearty soup or stew 
  3. Use a skewer and grill or roast them  
  4. Sauté them and add them to your favourite sauces 
  5. Cover them in a crispy coating and fry them for a tender yet delicious snack or appetiser 

How to cook king oyster mushrooms


Unlike regular oyster mushrooms, oyster king mushrooms have a larger stalk, with a meaty texture and strong umami flavour that is stronger once cooked. Their unique taste means an oyster king mushroom is a perfect addition to dishes with intense flavours, like garlic.17  

You’ll find king oyster mushrooms listed as ingredients in many delicious Chinese or Japanese dishes, as they are treasured for their unique taste and texture. Often likened to types of seafood like scallops, king oyster mushrooms make a great addition to many vegetarian dishes.  

Showcase the robust flavours of king oyster mushrooms by frying them lightly in a pan, serving them up whole, or covering them in a tempura batter and frying them up for the perfect side dish.  

The final say


From their unique flavour and texture to their potential health benefits, oyster mushrooms are undoubtedly a great addition to any diet. So, why not whip up a batch of delicious oyster mushrooms and try them out today?

Related Articles