Content
Not only russula is allowed to be consumed without heat treatment, oyster mushrooms can also be eaten raw. In terms of nutritional value, they are close to fruits. They contain a lot of protein and 10 types of vitamins, macro- and microelements that are necessary for the human body. They are perfectly digested in the stomach, but only caps can be eaten raw, the legs of these mushrooms are very tough.
Is it possible to eat raw oyster mushrooms
These mushrooms became widely used in the human diet during the First World War in Germany. It was then that it was possible to find out that they have antibiotic properties. Oyster mushrooms are still being studied. It was then that they began to be consumed in their raw form, but because of hunger, and not because of their benefits or pleasant taste.
Even today they are consumed raw. But you can get benefits only under one condition - if they grew in an ecologically clean place or were cultivated on a useful substrate.
Taste qualities of raw oyster mushrooms
The pulp of oyster mushrooms is juicy and fleshy. They have a pleasant and pronounced mushroom aroma with a slight hint of anise. Some people claim that they taste like honey mushrooms.
If the mushrooms have a bitter taste, it means that the substrate for their cultivation is incorrect.
The benefits and harms of raw oyster mushrooms
It is nutritious, and at the same time, low-calorie product. It goes well with meat dishes and is useful in the presence of a number of diseases and conditions.
Raw oyster mushrooms contain a large amount of potassium, which is extremely important in the presence of heart pathologies. Only 100 g of the product can provide a daily dose of this trace element. Potassium is also essential for the normal function of other muscles in the body.
Nicotinic acid in them allows you to alleviate the condition in the presence of problems with blood vessels. This is especially important in old age. Also, the substance helps to improve blood circulation and is responsible for the supply of oxygen and nutrients to all organs.
With a decrease in the amount of pantothenic acid in the body, the blush disappears from the face, all kinds of rashes appear on the skin, the lungs and kidneys suffer. Vitamin B5 can be obtained from raw oyster mushrooms.
They contain a lot of phosphorus, which is responsible for the normal functioning of the brain. By the amount of this mineral, oyster mushrooms can compete with fish. Regular consumption will slow down the aging process and strengthen the immune system, thanks to the presence of zinc.
Mushrooms are also useful for vegetarians. They are able to partially replace animal protein in the diet. They are high in fiber, which allows you to feel full for a long time.
If you regularly eat raw oyster mushrooms, you can constantly keep the body in good shape, reduce the risk of developing cancer, atherosclerosis and stabilize blood pressure. They are recommended for use by athletes, as they will provide an opportunity to build muscle mass, but not fat.
Despite the benefits of raw oyster mushrooms, they are still considered heavy food. They contain a large amount of chitin, which is not absorbed by the human body at all. You can get rid of this substance only with the help of heat treatment.
The second danger of raw oyster mushrooms is microorganisms that can remain after poor cleaning and poor-quality washing. It is imperative to refuse to use raw old, damaged and spoiled copies. It is advisable to purchase them from trusted sellers who will confirm that a clean substrate was used for growing.
How to eat raw oyster mushrooms
Before use, raw oyster mushrooms should be thoroughly washed under running warm water, cleaned of twigs, substrate, earth, sand. Be sure to review all mushrooms and get rid of old and damaged specimens. Thoroughly cleaned of mycelium.
Only caps are suitable for raw consumption, the rest of the parts are too tough for consumption.
As a rule, oyster mushrooms are not eaten raw as a separate dish. They are added as a savory ingredient to salads and other dishes.
Some gourmets recommend pouring boiling water over the fruit bodies before use. You can make a small portion of mushrooms with various herbs and spices. They are often used as an additional component to meat and vegetable dishes, as they add some extravagance.
You can store raw oyster mushrooms in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days. They must be hidden in a container, in extreme cases, partially covered to prevent the drying process. In this case, there must be air circulation in the container.
Contraindications
It is better to refuse to use oyster mushrooms in raw form for persons with gastrointestinal diseases, in the presence of problems with the kidneys and gallbladder. Allergy sufferers should also not eat raw oyster mushrooms. Persons with autoimmune diseases will have to abandon their use without fail, since oyster mushrooms can cause complications of the pathology.
You should not include in the menu dishes with raw oyster mushrooms for children under 12 years old.
Conclusion
If oyster mushrooms are eaten raw, then you can get rid of many health problems. This is a healthy and tasty treat. They are high in nutritional value and low in calories, allowing them to be included in the diet and used as a supplemental muscle building product.
Thanks to their high fiber content, mushrooms leave you feeling full for a long time. And the proteins they contain help balance the diet while following a vegetarian diet. Despite the many positive properties, raw oyster mushrooms must be consumed in limited quantities, or rather, no more than 50 g per day, in order to avoid problems in the digestive tract.