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Not only are russulas allowed to be consumed without heat treatment, oyster mushrooms can also be eaten raw. They are close in nutritional value 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 easily digested in the stomach, but only the caps can be eaten raw; the stems of these mushrooms are very hard.
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 we found out that they have antibiotic properties. The study of oyster mushrooms is still being carried out. They began to be consumed in their raw form right then, but because of hunger, and not because of their benefits or pleasant taste.
Even today they are consumed raw. But you can get the benefit only under one condition - if they grew in an environmentally friendly place or were cultivated on a healthy 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 growing them is not selected correctly.
The stems of the mushroom must be cut off before use.
The benefits and harms of raw oyster mushrooms
This is a nutritious and at the same time low-calorie product. It goes well with meat dishes and is useful for 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 from 100 g of product can you get a daily dose of this microelement. Potassium is also necessary for the normal functioning of other muscles in the body.
The nicotinic acid in them helps alleviate the condition if there are problems with blood vessels. This is especially important in old age. The substance also helps improve blood circulation and is responsible for the supply of oxygen and nutrients to all organs.
Oyster mushrooms can partially replace animal protein in a vegetarian diet
When the amount of pantothenic acid in the body decreases, the blush disappears from the face, all kinds of rashes appear on the skin, and the lungs and kidneys suffer. Vitamin B5 can be obtained from raw oyster mushrooms.
They contain a lot of phosphorus, which is responsible for normal brain function. In terms of 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 good for vegetarians. They can partially replace animal protein in the diet. They contain a lot of fiber, which allows you to feel full for a long time.
If you regularly eat raw oyster mushrooms, you can constantly keep your 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.
Raw mushrooms go perfectly with herbs and spices
Despite the benefits of raw oyster mushrooms, they are still considered heavy food. They contain a large amount of chitin, which is not at all absorbed by the human body. You can get rid of this substance only through heat treatment.
The second danger of raw oyster mushrooms is microorganisms that can remain after poor cleansing and poor quality washing. It is imperative to avoid consuming old, damaged or spoiled specimens raw. It is advisable to purchase them from trusted sellers who will confirm that a clean substrate was used for cultivation.
How to eat oyster mushrooms raw
Before use, raw oyster mushrooms should be thoroughly washed under running warm water, cleaned of twigs, substrate, soil, and sand. Be sure to review all mushrooms and get rid of old and damaged specimens. Thoroughly clean the mycelium.
Only the caps are suitable for raw consumption; the remaining parts are too tough to eat.
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.
It is necessary to store in a container in which good air circulation will be ensured.
Some gourmets recommend dousing the fruiting bodies with boiling water before eating. 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 a certain extravagance.
You can store raw oyster mushrooms in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days. They must be hidden in a container, or, in extreme cases, partially covered to prevent the drying process. At the same time, there must be air circulation in the container.
Contraindications
It is better to avoid eating oyster mushrooms in their raw form for people with gastrointestinal diseases, or if they have problems with the kidneys or gall bladder. Allergy sufferers should also not eat raw oyster mushrooms. People with autoimmune diseases will definitely have to stop using them, as oyster mushrooms can cause pathological complications.
You should not include dishes with raw oyster mushrooms in the menu for children under 12 years of age.
Conclusion
If you eat oyster mushrooms raw, you can get rid of many health problems. This is a healthy and tasty treat. They have high nutritional value and low calorie content, which allows them to be included in the diet and used as an additional product for building muscle mass.
Due to their high fiber content, mushrooms leave you feeling full for a long time. And the proteins they contain help balance nutrition when following a vegetarian diet.Despite the many positive properties, raw oyster mushrooms should be consumed in limited quantities, or rather, no more than 50 g per day, in order to avoid problems in the gastrointestinal tract.
