What You Should Know About Eating Raw Oyster Mushrooms

Given that there are over 10,000 different types of mushrooms (and those are just the ones we know about), it's not surprising that there are more than a handful of spores and shrooms that you've probably never heard of, let alone tried (via Mushroom Appreciation). 

Some mushrooms can be consumed raw or cooked, while others are more likely to dazzle your palate best when they are prepared just one way or the other. As for oyster mushrooms, they tend to be at their best when they are sautéed but they can also be roasted (via Total Gardener). Total Gardener also notes that while you can eat oyster mushrooms raw, you'd likely be left with a mouthful of dry mushrooms that sport a mild metallic flavor. Tough, and hard to chew, raw oyster mushrooms don't lend themselves to a pleasurable meal experience. 

On a more pragmatic note, Specialty Produce warns that eating oyster mushrooms raw could also expose up to 10% of the population to a potential allergic reaction. This might not just hold true for oyster mushrooms, though, because Very Well Fit also says that those with mold allergies, in general, could end up experiencing oral allergy symptoms when they consume mushrooms.

As soon as the heat is (literally) turned up, the oyster mushroom makes its transition from dowd to diva by shedding its spongy texture to become a silky smooth princess that delivers a satisfying mouthfeel that carries a gentle firmness. The oyster mushroom can play a supporting role as part of a stir fry or can shine when it's either braised alone or made part of a more complex dish. To retain the most nutrients when cooking, the healthiest method for cooking mushrooms is either grilling or microwaving. 

Oyster mushrooms aren't just tasty, they deliver on the nutrition front too. Very Well Fit says the ingredient has just 28 calories, 0.3 grams of fat, 5.2 grams of carbs, 2 grams of fiber, and 3 grams of protein. And while these values are for raw oyster mushrooms, we think it's worth the extra calories that come with cooking them up.