Since different species of mushrooms provide different health benefits, imagine the power of a hybrid mushroom that combines two great types into one nutritious and tasty treat. That’s the case with the Black Pearl mushroom, a hybrid fungus that brings together two types of species, the European and Asian Pleurotus ostreatus.
Let’s take a look at the Black Pearl Mushroom, its unique look and flavor, and its health benefits.
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What is a Black Pearl Mushroom?
The Black Pearl mushroom is most often given the scientific name Pleurotus ostreatus, which is the oyster mushroom genus. It’s also called the Black Pearl Oyster or the Black Pearl King mushroom.
As a cross of two oysters, it looks like a King Oyster (Pleurotus eryngii) or King Trumpet when it first grows. The King is the largest of the oyster mushroom species. When the Black Pearl matures it looks more like a Pearl Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus).
Combining the European ostreatus and Asian ostreatus, the Black Pearl is big and meaty like a King but it grows in clusters like the Pearl. The Black Pearl is also easier to grow than the regular King. And, as its name implies, it’s usually darker in color than a typical oyster mushroom.
As a member of the oyster family, the Black Pearl is a relative of one of the most popular mushrooms.
According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the oyster mushroom is the second most important mushroom in production in the world. The OECD says that the oyster accounts for 25% of total world production of cultivated mushrooms and in recent years, increased production and consumption has boosted it to being second only to the button mushroom.
What Are the Health Benefits of the Black Pearl Mushroom?
As an oyster mushroom, the Black Pearl provides the same boosts to well-being. The OECD cites oysters as being low in calories, sodium, fat and cholesterol, and high in protein, carbohydrate, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Healthy nutrients include iron, zinc, calcium, folic acid, potassium, and numerous vitamins including C, D and several B vitamins.
Numerous studies continue to show these benefits of mushrooms in general. The medicinal properties of the Black Pearl are also similar to that of the oyster family.
Those properties include:
Anti-inflammatory: studies have identified such properties in the chemistry of the mushroom’s substances, as well as demonstrating that an extract of the oyster mushroom reduced chronic inflammation in non-human subjects.
Antioxidant: Foods with antioxidants may protect cells against free radicals, which can play a role in cancer, heart disease, and other diseases. Oyster mushrooms have shown these properties in studies.
Antibacterial: One study showed that oyster mushrooms are antibacterial in that they exude toxins that deter tiny worms that invade other mushrooms.
Anti-tumor: The American Chemical Society and the The International Journal of Development Research cite studies indicating oyster mushrooms have natural antitumor properties.
While the Black Pearl is not exactly the same as an Oyster, it’s a member of the same family. As a hybrid, it features the beneficial properties that make it worth adding to your diet.
How Does This Mushroom Taste?
The Black Pearl brings together two kinds of mushrooms and some of the unique properties of each.
The texture is hearty like a King Oyster or King Trumpet mushroom, so they can be added to soups or stews. The flavor is described as earthy. They possess a savory or umami taste, with umami being one of the five basic tastes. Their flavor has also been described as peppery.
That savoriness makes them ideal for broths or meat dishes, or as a meat substitute.
How Do You Cook Black Pearl Mushrooms?
The entire cap and stem of the Black Pearl can be cooked and eaten. The stems are large, similar to but softer than an oyster mushroom. As a dense and meaty mushroom, they can be used in a variety of dishes.
You can use the Black Pearl in a soup, chili or stew, or add to pasta as you would other mushrooms.
Or, simply sauté them in butter or oil and serve them with a steak. Even the stems can be sliced and sautéed and used in a recipe. As with oysters, fried Black Pearl mushrooms are delicious and healthy. Eat them alone, as a side, or in a recipe in place of other types of mushrooms.
We found an excellent recipe using Black Pearl Oyster mushrooms courtesy of Very Vegan Val.
Crispy Black Pearl Oyster Mushroom Croutons
Ingredients
• 1/3 lb. black pearl oyster mushrooms
• 2 tbsp. vegan butter
• 1 tbsp. vegan parmesan, grated
• ½ tsp. herbs de province, or other dried herbs (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Get the detailed instructions on how to create this recipe from Valerie at Very Vegan Val.
Final Thoughts
The Black Pearl is a unique hybrid that brings together two variants of the Pleurotus ostreatus. It can vary somewhat, resembling a King Oyster or King Trumpet, or looking more like an Oyster or Pearl Oyster mushroom.
Its dense texture and peppery flavor make the Black Pearl worth finding and adding to recipes in place of, or along with, other mushrooms. You can even try growing them at home.
While finding a pearl in an oyster is said to attract good luck and wealth, finding a Black Pearl mushroom is good for your health.
References:
https://www.themyceliumemporium.com/product-page/black-pearl-king-oyster-pleurotus-eryngii-ostreatus
https://rrcultivation.com/products/black-pearl-mushrooms?variant=31630829912151
https://humblefungus.com/pages/black-pearl-oyster-mushroom
https://www.heritageharvestfarms.com/shop-1/black-pearl-mushrooms
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