Pleurotus

A genus of edible fungi that includes the widely cultivated oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus, valued for delicate flavor and meaty texture, with cap color varying with age and strain. They are eaten both raw and cooked and are widely cultivated on straw, sawdust, and agricultural wastes, making them an efficient protein source. As with all cultivated fungi, substrate quality and post-harvest handling decide safety: clean growing media, hygienic picking and packing, and rapid cooling keep bacterial loads low and prevent contamination with molds or heavy metals. Proper cooking further improves digestibility and flavor.