Scientific Name: Pleurotus ostreatus
Appearance: Fan-shaped caps ranging in color from gray to blue to white; thin stems.
Flavor Profile: Mild, with a slight umami and meaty texture.
Growth Conditions:
• Substrate: Grows on Coco Coir, sawdust, or pasteurized straw.
• Temperature:
– Colonization: 68–75°F
– Fruiting: 55–65°F (blue oyster prefers cooler fruiting temps).
• Humidity: 85–95%.
• Fresh Air Exchange (FAE): High; requires 4–6 air exchanges per day to prevent long stems.
Yield:
• 5 lb substrate block: 2–3 lbs total.
• Flushes: 2–3
• Per Flush: 1–1.5 lbs for the first flush; subsequent flushes taper off.
• 10 lbs substrate in monotub: 6–7 lbs total.
• Flushes: 3–5
• Per Flush: 2–2.5 lbs for the first flush; subsequent flushes taper off.
Popularity: One of the most widely grown gourmet mushrooms for its ease and high yield.
Uses: Culinary (sautés, stir-fries), meat substitute in vegan dishes.
Notes: Requires high FAE to prevent overly long stems and maximize cap development.