It is difficult to meet a man who would not like mushrooms. Universal fruiting bodies can be eaten fried and boiled, cook delicious cakes with them. Some lovers are able to eat them even in their original form. What mushrooms are suitable for such consumption? Just don’t say Russula. No, for these purposes it is better to take truffles, saffron mushrooms and porcini mushroom. Is it possible to eat raw oyster mushrooms? Today this will be discussed.
Tastes differ
Indeed, if it seems to one that such a meal can hardly impress, then the other, at every opportunity, will try to get a new portion of fresh mushrooms. Is it possible to eat oyster mushrooms raw? Yes, and not only them. Ginger, for example, is the only milky mushroom that can be eaten raw. It contains a lot of protein, fiber and minerals. Their calorie content is only 26 calories per 100 g of product.
Ginger can not even cook, but just sprinkle with salt. But no one canceled the experiments, so cut the fruiting bodies into thin slices, sprinkle with salt and pepper, add a little lemon juice. It turns out a very original appetizer. As for the cep, here you can eat only hats. Another variety that is overseas rarity in our area is truffle. This is a mushroom from Europe.
So familiar
And yet, why many are interested in the question of whether it is possible to eat oyster mushrooms raw? First of all, because it is this mushroom that grows in abundance in each forest belt, it is sold in vegetable shops, and someone even grows it on their own balcony. Availability and breeds interest. Once there is a product, you need to use it somehow.
It is a very nutritious and healthy mushroom that can be compared to fruits. It contains many trace elements, as well as vitamins and a lot of protein. Oyster mushroom is well digested. True, only hats are used in mushrooms, the legs are too stiff. Low-calorie fruiting bodies can be subjected to heat treatment, while they contain about 40 kcal per 100 g of product. That is, they can be used as an additional ingredient for meat dishes.
Chemical composition
The main reason people decide whether it’s possible to eat oyster mushrooms raw is the desire to preserve a maximum of useful substances. This makes sense, because the chemical composition of oyster mushrooms is very rich. Especially a lot of the following components:
- Vitamins of groups B, C and D.
- Amino acids.
- Alimentary fiber.
- Minerals
But that is not all. Modern studies show that this product has unique substances that can stimulate the immune system, have antimicrobial and antiviral activity. Contains a mushroom and a powerful antioxidant that stops the blood and heals wounds. It turns out that you get not only good nutrition, but also protection of the body from ailments. It is worth it to urgently include this product in the diet.
The benefits of mushrooms
First of all, it should be noted their low cost. Therefore, they can be included in the diet on an ongoing basis. Raw oyster mushrooms are a matter of habit. But only at first glance the mushroom seems tasteless, because no one forbids the use of spices and lemon juice.
These mushrooms tone the nervous system. Regular use of oyster mushroom prevents the development of oncology, normalizes blood pressure and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis. The product will be useful for athletes, as it makes it possible to reduce weight and gain muscle mass. In this regard, mushrooms are even more interesting than chicken or beef. Therefore, if there are no contraindications, feel free to include this product in your diet.
The use of oyster mushrooms in their raw form is not contraindicated for the elderly. On the contrary, the substances contained in them allow you to maintain activity and vitality. Essential amino acids contribute to the healing of the body, strengthens the immune system.
The use of mushrooms for medicinal purposes
Above, we have already considered how oyster mushrooms are useful as a dietary food product. But it turns out that nature has prepared us another surprise. A unique mushroom allows you to lower blood cholesterol, fights against pathogenic bacteria. It is useful to eat it and patients with diabetes.
Oyster mushroom is of great importance for patients nutritionists. Delicious fruiting bodies remain useful with any cooking method. A healthy product can reduce appetite, improves bowel activity. Therefore, they can be included in the diet every day.
Good in moderation
This is another important point. Considering the question of whether it is possible to eat raw oyster mushrooms, it is necessary to note the permissible daily portion. And the fact that you need to consume only delicate hats. Their taste resembles chicken meat, so oyster mushrooms are often added to vegetable salads. For better digestibility, fruit bodies are recommended to be ground.
You need to know that the outer shell of the fungus is quite dense. In order not to burden the gastrointestinal tract, it is not recommended to eat more than 50 g per day. Fresh fruit bodies grown on a clean substrate are suitable for use in raw form. Old and damaged need to be thrown away without regret - they will bring nothing but harm. These mushrooms are tasty with various spices, and to diversify the dish, feel free to add greens and vegetables to it.
Preliminary preparation
If the mushrooms are poorly washed, then in the dish you can find a surprise in the form of sand or other garbage. Therefore, preparation is given special attention. Fresh product must be cleaned of substrate and mycelium and washed thoroughly. To do this, put the mushrooms in a colander and place under running water. It is undesirable to soak oyster mushroom: it is saturated with water, which makes the taste worse.
Of course, all damaged mushrooms must be removed to the side. Eating them raw is definitely not recommended. But correctly selected fruiting bodies have an exquisite smell, do not bitter and do not cause unpleasant consequences.
Harvesting for future use
Oyster mushroom picking time is September. It was at this time that a decrease in air temperature at night, moderate heat during the day and the loss of a large amount of growth stimulated the growth of mycelium. Is it possible to freeze oyster mushrooms raw? Oh sure. As such, they retain the maximum amount of nutrients compared to salted, pickled and pickled.
Preparation for freezing is quite simple. For this, it is necessary to sort out the mushrooms and discard those that are not suitable for this. These can be called fruiting bodies with yellow spots on the hat and under it, with cracks. Is it possible to freeze oyster mushrooms raw? Yes, of course, only if they are fresh and supple. Blue-gray, even-colored mushrooms, similar to oysters - this is exactly what you need. If you do not have time to prepare the mushrooms for freezing, you can leave them in the refrigerator for several days. It is not recommended to wash or cut hats. But once in the freezer, they can safely be stored for up to 12 months.
Preparation
The selection of the most beautiful mushrooms is an important part of the work. Now we have candidates for freezing. If they have a good view before being placed in the camera, then it will continue after.
Algorithm of actions:
- Rinse and place on a towel to make glass water.
- Cut into neat slices. Let it dry a little longer.
- Transfer to a baking sheet or chopping board, put in the freezer for 4 hours. This is necessary so that the mushrooms do not stick together in one large piece.
It remains only to pack the finished convenience food. It can be removed at any time and used for its intended purpose. That is, eat raw, cook or bake. In any case, it will delight you with a wonderful taste.
After defrosting
Mushrooms depart very quickly. Therefore, you need to get them immediately before use. First, move to the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, and only then safely add to the salad. At the same time, mushrooms completely retain their structure, taste and useful properties. They are no worse than just collected, according to reviews. The benefits and harms of oyster mushrooms depend on the quality of the product and its quantity. Do not forget that a large portion of coarse fiber can lead to constipation, bloating and bowel problems. It is best to consult with a gastroenterologist.
Contraindications
But there are people who are categorically not recommended to pamper themselves with such delicacies, especially raw ones. These are people prone to allergic reactions. Fungi can provoke various kinds of complications of autoimmune diseases. You should not treat yourself to a delicacy and those people who have kidney and heart problems. Remember that oyster mushroom contains chitin, which is extremely difficult for the body to absorb. If there is a history of gastrointestinal diseases, try for the first time to limit yourself to a minimal portion and observe the reaction.