Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus), Wild Harvested - Dried Whole

Our Seasonal Delight abounds the Catskill Forest once again! These treasured white Oyster mushrooms are carefully harvested and their spawn distributed amongst other dead and dying hardwoods in our forest to aid in beneficial native regeneration practices, as well to culture our own plugs and mycelium for future mushroom log production efforts. Careful low heat drying to best preserve flavor and medicinal properties of this culinary delight is taken, with no need for Sulphur or any additives, these mushrooms are harvested deep in the pristine spring fed woods far from roads.

White Oyster mushrooms have a delicate, mild flavor with a velvety texture. Can be eaten raw Oyster mushrooms Contain the following Minerals and Nutrients Niacin: Almost every cell in the human body requires niacin to function and metabolize other nutrients. Vitamin D: Vitamin D is not easy to find in food products (it typically comes from sunlight). Iron: Red blood cells require iron. One cup of oyster mushrooms gives you 12% of your recommended iron intake which makes them a great meat substitute in that respect. Oyster mushrooms also contain 8% each of your daily recommended amount of important nutrients like Riboflavin Potassium Vitamin B6 B Vitamins Folic acid (folate) Magnesium Vitamin C Pantothenic acid Amino acids 8 Health Benefits of Oyster Mushrooms Traditional Chinese medicine has understood the value of oyster mushrooms and other medicinal mushrooms for centuries.

Here are some of the most well-researched oyster mushroom benefits.

1. Immune System Support The beta-glucans in oyster mushrooms make them one of the best foods on the planet for protecting your immune system against short- and long-term illnesses. Unlike some foods that either stimulate or repress the immune system, mushrooms balance it. Plus, oyster mushrooms are loaded with other antioxidants to help prevent free radical damage and oxidative stress so your immune system can defend itself against aging.

2. Lowering High Blood Pressure Your body needs nutrients like vitamin D to regulate blood pressure levels. Did you know that most people who live in cold climates are deficient in vitamin D? One study found that dietary mushrooms like oysters reduced blood pressure in rats with spontaneous or unexplained high blood pressure.

3. Regulating Cholesterol Levels Since mushrooms like oysters have a savory flavor and no cholesterol, they're a great substitute for meat in many sautéed dishes.

4. Building Strong Bones Oyster mushrooms have plenty of important nutrients for building strong bones. Specifically, vitamin D and magnesium. While most people focus on calcium, your body also needs vitamin D and magnesium to process calcium and store it in your bones.

5. Anti-Inflammatory Properties The beta-glucans and antioxidants in oyster mushrooms make it a great food for lowering inflammation. Some research shows that beyond beta-glucans, some of the oyster's anti-inflammatory properties come from a unique and somewhat unknown amino acid called ergothioneine.

6. Anti-Cancer Properties The beta-glucans in mushrooms like oysters function as potent antioxidants that may protect the body against cancer. One study found that oyster mushrooms have potential to be effective for certain types of cancer cells. (3)

7. Protecting the Heart Against Cardiovascular Disease Ergothioneine is also an excellent amino acid for protecting the heart because it prevents the buildup of plaque. Perhaps this is also why oyster mushrooms are able to lower cholesterol levels. According to the research, ergothioneine lowers "systemic" inflammation across the entire body which often contributes to diseases like dementia and diabetes One study also found that consuming oyster mushrooms reduced triglycerides and cholesterol levels in diabetic patients (as well as high blood sugar levels).

8. Defend Against Neurodegenerative Diseases Finally, the amino acid ergothioneine is a cytoprotectant. In other words, it protects cells against oxidative stress and free radical damage. That's why mushrooms like oysters have potential for defending against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and dementia. Happy to share our bounty and blessings with you and supporting our native species regenerative forestry efforts!