Copper Head Oyster

Summary

The Copperhead Oyster Mushroom is one of the newer strains in the mushroom market and hasn’t been around that long at all. However, the copperhead oyster mushroom has already garnered a strong reputation for being a tasty, easy-to-grow, high-yielding mushroom.

Distinctive because of their copper-coloured caps and slightly peppery flavour, the copperhead oyster mushroom is fast becoming more visible in the menus in top restaurants around the world and a favourite amongst home growers because of their ease of growing, versatility and high yield.

The Copperhead Oyster Mushroom Description and Taste

Sometimes mistaken for the Golden Oyster Mushroom, the Copperhead Oyster mushroom has a browny-yellowy (copper) coloured concave cap which average between 5 – 25cm in diameter. Underneath the caps are white, fan-like gills which merge with the short stem.

The texture of the Copperhead oyster mushroom is generally quite soft and tender but is fleshy enough that it can be used as a meat substitute. The edible stem is paler than the cap and chewy to taste.

The Copperhead Oyster Mushroom has a distinctive peppery taste that stands the Copperhead Oyster mushroom apart from other Oyster mushrooms and its rich, earthy flavour makes it a great accompaniment to just about most meals.

What are the Uses of Copperhead Oyster Mushrooms?

The Copperhead Oyster mushroom is very versatile and can be pan-fried, oven baked, sauteed, or grilled. Because of its meaty texture, the copperhead Oyster mushroom is often used by Vegetarians and Vegans as a meat or fish substitute.

Great in pasta, soup, stew, risotto or as a standalone, the Copperhead Oyster mushroom will add texture and flavour to a very broad range of meat and vegetarian dishes.

As well as being a great addition to your meals, studies have shown the Copperhead Oyster mushroom can be used to help reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure and help boost the immune system.

Nutritional Value

The Copperhead Oyster mushroom is, like most Oyster mushrooms, packed full of minerals and vitamin. Brimming with iron, riboflavin, niacin and potassium, the copperhead mushroom is an excellent source of key vitamins, B, B6 and D.

The Copperhead Oyster mushroom also possesses some great antioxidant properties and is low in fat and high in fibre.

How to Store Copperhead Oyster Mushrooms?

The Copperhead Oyster Mushrooms haven’t the longest shelf life and should be consumed fresh within a few days of harvesting. To keep them for another 5 – 7 days, you can store them in a paper bag or towel in the middle of the fridge after cleaning them with a damp towel. Do not wash or rinse the Copperhead Oyster Mushrooms in water, as this will speed up the decaying process.

You can dry copperhead mushrooms and then rehydrate them by putting the airtight container storing the dried mushrooms in a bowl of warm water. Drying out the Copperhead Oyster Mushrooms will see them usable for up to a year.

To freeze the Copperhead Oyster mushrooms, clean them with a damp towel, slice them, place them in an airtight bag, and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, the copperhead oyster mushroom will keep for at least 6 months.

Out in the Wild

Originating from Asia, the Copperhead Oyster Mushroom can be found in forests growing on hardwood trees, particularly Beech trees in much of Aisa, Europe and North America

Growing in clusters, the Copperhead Oyster mushroom fruits in Spring and Autumn.