Meet the Mushrooms

While not unlike the standard white button mushroom in terms of flavour, oyster mushrooms are known to have a slightly meaty texture, and have been described as soft and silky even after cooking.  They have a long shelf life when kept in the fridge, or dehydrated to use later in soups.

With a huge amount of culinary versatility, oyster mushrooms are a great choice for those looking to test the waters of new gourmet mushroom experiences.  Wonderful in stir fry, with pasta, or as a side dish.

Pink oyster mushrooms are known to be firm in texture, and some have described their flavour as similar to pork, or some kinds of seafood.  Pinks are often used in a recipe for vegan bacon, due to their colour, texture, and taste.  Fried with a bit of oil, and tossed with salt and paprika, these mushrooms provide a different experience on the plate.  Unlike their blue counterparts, pink oysters must be consumed within three days of harvest, and do not hold up well in refrigeration.

King Trumpet or Black King Oyster mushroom is another one of the oyster family, notable for its thick, meaty stem, making it an ideal addition to your summer barbeque.  The stems can also be sliced into medallions, and fried in butter to enjoy as faux scallops.  Enjoy the kings in any dish calling for button or portabello mushrooms.  With a long shelf life in the fridge, these mushrooms can also be dehydrated or roasted and added to soups or stews for a rich, flavourful comfort-food experience.

Noteworthy for its unique, cauliflower-like appearance, which sets it apart from many other fungi in the culinary world, Lions Mane is a delicious soft mushroom, known for its variety of heath benefits.

Lion's mane can be pulled into bite sized pieces and sauteed along with other mushrooms, or sliced into large steaks, and marinated for a special meatless meal.  Can also be dehydrated, powdered, added to coffees, smoothies, or any dish to provide an added health boost.  

 These mushrooms feature large, umbrella-shaped caps with a distinctive dark brown hue and delicate white gills underneath. These versatile mushrooms have a rich, savoury taste. Shiitakes are among some of the most popular mushrooms in the world, and can be added to soups, stir fries, pizza, stews, or any other dish for a rich and delicious meal.  

Shiitakes are also known for their numerous health benefits, and can be dehydrated for longer storage.  

Found in the forests of Ontario, the Cinnamon Cap, or Chestnut Mushroom, gets its name from its dark brown complexion and delicious nutty flavour, making it perfect for sautés, soups, and salads.