Unexpected winter in Lviv region: the mushroom season continues, where to look for oyster mushrooms.

According to ТСН: Despite the fact that the calendar winter has already begun, the mushroom season in the Lviv region is still ongoing this year. Mild temperatures without sharp frosts have created favorable conditions for the growth of wood mushrooms, particularly the common oyster mushroom, also known as the 'oyster mushroom'.

What is the 'oyster mushroom'

The oyster mushroom, known by the folk name 'oyster mushroom', scientifically belongs to the Pleurotaceae family. In Western Ukraine, other mushrooms, such as grey or purple blewit, are sometimes mistakenly referred to as oyster mushrooms, although these species have no relation to the true oyster mushroom. However, all of them are edible.

What do oyster mushrooms look like

Oyster mushrooms grow in groups, sometimes the caps are so closely spaced together that they form a single mass. The size of the cap varies from 3 to 25 cm.

Characteristics of appearance:

• The cap is funnel-shaped or ear-like, the edges can be straight or bent;

• The coloration of young mushrooms is grey-blue or dark grey, which lightens to yellowish or ash tones with age;

• The gills descend onto the stem, aging to a yellow-brown color;

• The stem is short and firm, often barely noticeable - it is usually not used in cooking.

The flesh of young oyster mushrooms is dense and juicy, but quickly becomes firm and rubbery, so for cooking, young caps are usually collected.

Where and when to look for oyster mushrooms

The oyster mushroom is a typical wood mushroom that settles on weakened or dead trees. It should be sought in:

• Deciduous and mixed forests;

• Wood plantations;

• Parks and old gardens;

• In yards where there are old stumps.

The oyster mushroom most often grows on poplars and walnuts, less frequently on aspens, hornbeams, or willows. It bears fruit from October until the first real frosts. Due to the warm weather this year, it can be harvested at least until early December.

Interestingly, the oyster mushroom appears as one of the first in spring after the snow melts.

How to cook oyster mushrooms in the tastiest way

The common oyster mushroom belongs to the fourth category of edibility, but is popular due to its taste and versatility in cooking.

Before cooking it is important to:

• Choose young caps;

• Pre-boil the mushrooms for about 10 minutes.

After that, oyster mushrooms can be fried (including making 'cutlets' from large caps), stewed, pickled, added to soups, salads, pâtés, and cutlets.

Are there inedible oyster mushrooms?

Several species of oyster mushrooms grow in Ukraine. Some of them have a hard structure and are not suitable for consumption, but there are no poisonous species among oyster mushrooms.

Recall that earlier it was mentioned that AI made a mistake with mushrooms, and a man almost ended up in the hospital. The mushroom picker was poisoned after artificial intelligence mistakenly identified them as edible.

The mushroom season in Ukraine shows its unpredictability, as warm winters bring new opportunities for mushroom pickers and kitchen enthusiasts. It is important to remember safety when foraging for mushrooms and not forget that some of them may cause negative reactions. Oyster mushrooms, for their part, due to their popularity, continue to remain a versatile ingredient for many dishes, making them a valuable addition to Ukrainian cuisine.