Oyster Mushrooms Are Popping Up In Woods Across Southern California

During the rainy season and heading into spring, wild mushrooms start popping up around Southern California. Now, keep in mind that mushrooms thrive in a moist climate, so the more rain the better. One favorite mushroom to forage is the oyster mushroom, which has a mild, meaty texture and goes well in vegetarian dishes. While they may be hard to find in the drier parts of California, these mushrooms are worth the hunt.

In the forests of Southern California, wild oyster mushrooms can be found after heavy rainfall. You can discover them growing on old tree trunks or fallen oak trees.

Oyster mushrooms thrive in a dark, wet environment. The best place to find them is in shady areas or by turning over logs. Be careful not to disturb any wildlife in your search.

You always want to use caution when finding mushrooms in the wild. Luckily, oyster mushrooms do not have a poisonous lookalike and are one of the easiest wild mushrooms to identify. They are great for beginners who want to get into scavenging.

Oyster mushrooms are a forager’s treat. They make an excellent addition to stews, pastas, and stir-fry recipes thanks to their mild flavor. Remember to remove the stems before cooking, as they can be hard and woody to chew.

Did you know that the name “oyster mushroom” comes from the size and shape of the fungi? They are large and flat like an oyster; the name actually doesn’t have anything to do with the taste!

As one of the most popular mushrooms around the world, this mild and hearty mushroom grows best in the warmer months. You can find them in Southern California from November-April.

Whether you find them in the wild or in the grocery store, oyster mushrooms are a delicious treat to add to any dish. Do you have a favorite mushroom? If you’re up for picking your food, but don’t want to head into the wild, check out our article that features seven pick-your-own fruit farms in Southern California.

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Southern California, CA, USA

A Local Delicacy, Oyster Mushrooms Are Popping Up In Woods Across Southern California

Allyson Lambert

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