Pleurotus columbinus
Description
Mushrooms of the Oyster variety are some of the more commonly consumed mushrooms in the world. They are rich in high-quality proteins and amino acids, B vitamins, vitamin D, iron and potassium. Several studies are now showing that they lower cholesterol due to the presence of statins and lovastatins.
Pleurotus columbinus grow in clusters and take on a shelf-like shape. It has white stems with deep blue caps that turn gray as they age. Like many mushrooms, it should be picked young for consumption as it becomes tougher as it ages and its taste and smell deteriorate. It is easy to grow as long as it has plenty of fresh airflow. It can grow on dead wood, straw, grass, cotton, cacti, hemp, coffee waste, paper products amongst other things, making it a great way to turn your compost into a mushroom growing substrate. It is also a carnivorous mushroom, consuming nematodes which tend to be a threat to other mushrooms.
Common names: Blue Oyster Mushroom.
Mushroom Identification
Cap
1-5 (7) (40) cm; edge rolled up, irregular; blue to greenish-gray, with a reddish-brown, ocher middle, yellowish fading; bald.
Hyphae
May be monomitic or dimitic; without binding hyphae.
Stipe
White; eccentric; sidewards; tough-elastic; base glabrous or hairy and curly.
Hymenium
Gills; whitish, bluish-gray; wide; running down; with intermediate lamellas.
Spores
Light purple; (8-11 x 3-4,5 μm).
Odor and Taste
The mushroom-like odor or uncomfortably porous. Mild taste.
Flesh
Whitish, firm, somewhat tough
Pleurotus columbinus Medical Properties
Generally strengthens the immune system
Contains many vitamins (especially vitamins B and D)
Antioxidant
It supports cell defense and can inhibit the spread of cancer (metastasis)
Supports the multiplication of benign bacteria in the intestinal area. Particularly indicated after antibiotic therapy and to rebuild these positive germs. It has a relaxing effect on joints and muscles and strengthens the veins and arteries.
It should be cancer, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol-lowering
Preventive effect in osteoporosis and strengthens bones in general. Relieves pain in the lower back and accelerates its regeneration! It contains the so-called pleurotolysin, which is similar to the ingredients of bee venom and can lead to the gradual destruction of red blood cells by the so-called haemolysins. However, this poison is destroyed by heat. So always cook well!
Cultivation Tips
Buy liquid cultures or spore print (to make liquid cultures mix spores with home temperature water). The growing process will take about a month or so before you harvest your favorite mushroom.
Avoid placing the spawn in direct sunlight because it will cause premature pinning. Choose a quality mushroom substrate and maintain the correct temperature, and in no time, you'll see mushroom clusters pop up on the substrate.
To make this happen, you'll need some mushroom spawn (a type of mycelium that proliferates), grain-based substrate, water, and clean jars for culturing blue oyster mushrooms indoors on a shelf or tabletop. Once you have these items, you begin by optionally sterilizing them first: Boil jar lids for 15 minutes using plenty of water; heat pot and fill halfway with hot tap water while keeping the burner turned off.
Add liquid culture on top of the substrate, but do not cover it completely.
Place cap loosely over the top opening of jars until ready for use (within 24 hours).
After that, you can inoculate the substrate: Pour fresh mushroom spawn or colonized grains onto the center of the grain-based.
The substrate in each sterilized jar; spread evenly using clean hands or wooden dowel; tamp firmly with fingers until firm.
Fill halfway up with hot tap water, put the lid on tightly, wait about five minutes before starting the next batch.
Keep Blue Oyster mushrooms at room temperature under excellent lighting conditions! They're best grown indoors.
Photo sources:
Photo 1 - Author: Justin (Tmethyl) (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Photo 2 - Author: John F Brey (JohnnyB2112) (CC BY-SA 3.0)
