Black Pearl (Pleurotus ostreatus)
A truly fascinating mushroom “made in Japan,” the Black Pearl is the result of a Japanese scientist’s hybridization between European and Asian grey oyster mushrooms. The outcome is a superb mushroom that looks more like a king oyster (Pleurotus eryngii), but with quite different culinary properties!
History
At its genesis, it was named Shimofuri Hiratake in Japan—”Shimofuri” meaning “marbled” or “frosted,” and “Hiratake” being the common Japanese name for grey oyster mushrooms. “Shimofuri” clearly refers to the beautiful marbled pattern found on the mushroom’s fleshy cap.
This hybrid was developed in the 1980s, specifically at “Hokto-kinoko” in April 1988, the Year of the Dragon!
Two decades later, this beautiful mushroom was named “Black Pearl” across the Pacific.
The Black Pearl is a mushroom with a pleasantly tender, juicy texture and is easy to use—just break it apart by hand. You can enjoy its tender texture in a wide variety of dishes, from seasoned sautés to fried, stir-fried, and soups.
It can also be used as a main ingredient and inspires creativity in culinary enthusiasts.
The flavors are easily absorbed by the mushroom, making it a choice ingredient for stews and braised dishes.
Nutritional Composition
Very likely to have a profile almost identical to its cousin, the grey oyster:
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All essential amino acids for humans, especially tryptophan and threonine
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Vitamins : B1, B2, B3, B5, B12, D2 (after one hour of sun exposure)
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Minerals and trace elements: zinc, copper, phosphorus, potassium, iron, magnesium, manganese
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Protein: 20–30% (dry weight)
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Polysaccharides: beta-(1,3-1,6)-glucans
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Sterols: ergosterol (provitamin D2), campesterol
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Fibers
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Lectins
Taste Experience
The Black Pearl has a flavor profile similar to king oyster mushrooms—savory umami flavor—but with a more tender, buttery texture.
This unique texture has quickly become a favorite among chefs. This mushroom is extremely versatile and can be cooked in many ways: sautéed, fried, stir-fried, or in soups.
It is also very useful in vegan cuisine and can be used for dishes such as vegan pulled “pork” or fried “scallops,” for example. Yum-yum!
Functional and Medicinal Aspects
As a hybrid of European and Japanese grey oysters, it is highly likely that its functional properties are extremely similar to those of its parent species. For more details, visit the Pleurotus ostreatus page.
Disclaimer:
It is important to note that studies on the therapeutic properties of these mushrooms are still ongoing.
The information on our website does not replace professional medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.
Please consult a doctor before using oyster mushrooms for medicinal purposes. Results may vary between individuals.