Featured Produce: Oyster Mushrooms!

​Oyster mushrooms enjoy a terrific reputation for being easy to cultivate, richly nutritious and medicinally supportive. They are also renowned for their ability to degrade environmental toxins, particularly hydrocarbon-based contaminants. Their role as guardians of the biosphere becomes clear as new research into their complex biochemistry proves their potential to combat hunger, improve immunity and clean up polluted lands.*
 
Nutrition fun facts:  Oyster mushrooms are one of nature’s super foods. They are rich in protein, loaded with B vitamin, have no cholesterol, and significant levels of a cholesterol-lowering molecule lovastatin. Research has also shown oyster mushrooms to have immune supporting properties that can help fight cancer.
 
Storage tips: Store mushrooms in a paper or cloth bag in the refrigerator. Do not wash mushrooms prior to storage. If mushrooms need cleaned, brush them off with a rough clean town or a brush.
 
Preparation tips: Sauté mushrooms in a bit of butter or oil until crispy and slightly golden. Resist the temptation to stir mushrooms to allow for deeper caramelization. Crispy mushrooms make any dish special; add them to tacos, serve them a top of brown rice and greens, or reduced with wine on top of grilled meats.

Recipe: Pulled 'Shroom Sandwiches 

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
• 2 pounds oyster mushrooms shredded/pulled into strips
• 2 medium yellow onions sliced
• 4 jalapeno peppers seeded and sliced
• 1 cup BBQ sauce make
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 tablespoon thyme dry
• 1/4 tablespoon garlic powder

​Preparation:

1.   Heat up oil in large cast iron pan (or pot) and saute onions and peppers for about 7 minutes on medium heat until some browning occurs.
2. Stir in pulled mushrooms until they are well mixed in with the peppers and onions. You might need to do this in a couple phases depending on the size of your pot.
3. Stir all ingredients together and cook for about 20 minutes over medium-low heat stirring occasionally. You can keep them like this for even longer if you need/want to.
4. Serve on a soft bun, with toppings of choice (pickles, vegetable slaw,

 
 
Recipe from: http://vegetariandude.com/vegan-pulled-pork-sandwich/
 
*From: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-stamets/oyster-mushroom_b_2522084.html