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Are hardened oyster mushrooms (grown at home) ok to harvest/eat?

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Are the hardened oyster mushrooms (grown at home) safe to harvest and eat?

My brother recently bought an awesome oyster mushroom grow kit at a farmers market—a big, heavy plastic bag filled with soil and mushrooms already growing. We were told to expect two different phases of growth. The first batch was stunning, and I harvested them properly to make a pretty decent beef stroganoff! Everything went perfectly.

However, the second batch sprouted almost immediately. While they were overall smaller, some of the individual stalks were much larger than those from the first batch. The problem is that my brother’s family went to Chile to visit his husband’s family, and they asked me to harvest the mushrooms. Unfortunately, I think I waited too long. The caps never seemed to “turn down,” which is what the vendor said to look for when harvesting. Now, two days later, they look and feel hard, stale, and quite brittle.

Is there any way to salvage them or use them for something? I’ve had pretty rough luck getting helpful answers from Google AI!

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One response to “Are hardened oyster mushrooms (grown at home) ok to harvest/eat?”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    It sounds like you’ve had quite the adventure with your oyster mushroom grow kit! When mushrooms become hardened, stale, or brittle, they may have reached a point where their texture and flavor are compromised. However, they are likely still safe to eat, as long as there are no signs of mold or unusual discoloration.

    Here are a few options for how to proceed:

    1. Assess for Edibility: Check for any off smells or discoloration. If they seem okay in terms of appearance and smell, they should be safe to eat.

    2. Rehydrate: If they feel too dry and tough, you can try rehydrating them. Soak the mushrooms in warm water for about 20-30 minutes. This can help improve the texture and make them more palatable.

    3. Cooking Method: Use a longer cooking method, like sautéing or simmering, to help soften them up. They might not have the same texture as fresh mushrooms, but they can still add flavor to soups, stews, or sauces.

    4. Dried Mushrooms: If they are beyond saving for fresh use, consider drying them out completely and storing them as dried mushrooms. They can be rehydrated later for various dishes.

    As for your beef stroganoff, you might consider making a hearty soup or a savory sauce where the mushrooms can still impart their flavor, even if their texture isn’t perfect. Enjoy experimenting, and good luck!

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