Oyster mushrooms are now common in the cuisine of many countries and are no longer an exotic food product that is valued for its nutritional properties, as well as for the low calorie content of mushrooms (about 43 kcal per 100 grams). So what are oyster mushrooms useful and how to cook them?
The benefits and harms of eating oyster mushrooms
It is believed that the composition of this species of mushrooms includes almost all useful substances known to science, which are simply necessary for the human body for proper functioning. Oyster mushrooms are very high in protein, amino acids, healthy fats and carbohydrates. American scientists have calculated that 148 grams of these mushrooms contain about 11% of the daily human need for iron, as well as about 18% for phosphorus and zinc.
The mushroom-based extract is used in modern medicine for the treatment and prevention of tumor diseases, allergic manifestations and a number of other common ailments. It is also believed that the regular inclusion of oyster mushrooms in the diet can stimulate the production of body defenses that help remove radioactive substances from the human body. The list of minerals and vitamins in oyster mushrooms includes choline, vitamins PP, B9, B5, B6, B2, B1, A and beta-carotene, as well as calcium, selenium, manganese, magnesium, copper, sodium, zinc, potassium, iron and phosphorus.
But things can be harmful. So, with improper long-term storage at temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius and the absence of heat treatment, the chitin contained in mushrooms in large quantities can cause a serious upset of the gastrointestinal tract. This can be avoided by finely chopping oyster mushrooms and boiling them or frying them at high temperatures.
How to cook oyster mushrooms
The usual way to prepare this product is by frying or stewing. To do this, you do not need to boil the mushrooms first, just rinse them thoroughly in water, cut them into medium-sized pieces and place them in the container in which you plan to cook. It is not recommended to cut it too small, as the result will not be beautifully fried mushrooms, but literally mushroom porridge or mashed potatoes.
It is advisable to add a little sunflower or olive oil so that the oyster mushrooms do not stick to the bottom of the pan, and then heat the last over medium heat. In this case, it is not necessary to add water at all, since during the cooking process the oyster mushrooms themselves will release moisture, and in a very large amount. During the cooking process, the mushrooms need to be salted and pepper, and then wait for the liquid to completely evaporate.
In this form, the mushrooms are already considered ready, but you can improve this recipe a little. At the initial stage of cooking, add a few tablespoons of sour cream to the pan, then reduce the heat to low and close the dish with a lid. Such a dish is prepared for about half an hour, and the result will not disappoint you!
