Green Mushroom Farm

Akurataki

Pleurotus ferulae Nebrodensis

Akuratake mushrooms (also called White Elf Abelone) are medium to large in size and are irregular and elongated with a vase-like shape with an average diameter of 5-25 centimeters. The skin is ivory to white and is smooth, silky, plump and firm with small golden lines and perforations all over the surface with many gills under the cap. The cream colored flesh is crispy, compact and spongy with a meaty texture. When cooked, Akuratake mushrooms are smooth and velvety with an earthy, buttery flavor with hints of pepper.

PREPARATION

Akuratake mushrooms are best suited for cooked applications such as steaming, baking, roasting, grilling, poaching and roasting. The subtle flavor of the Akuratake is best when it is not overcooked, but it is also not completely edible raw. They are widely used in stir-fries, both green and coconut curries, soups, stews and teriyaki. They can also be breaded and fried as a substitute for real Akuratake or canned for longer use. Abalone mushrooms go well with tomatoes, Calabrian peppers, peas, eggplant, baby corn, water chestnuts, watercress, arugula, fennel, olives, capers, garlic, onions, shallots, ginger, tofu, shrimp, shellfish, pork, prosciutto, poultry, truffle oil, grena padano cheese, and lentils. They can be kept for up to seven days if stored in a dry place, for example in a paper bag in the refrigerator.

Pleurotus ferulae is one of the low-calorie mushrooms. 100 grams of fresh fungus contains only 33 calories. Yet this tasty mushroom is packed with natural bioactive substances, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that promote health. Oyster mushroom contains an HMG-CoA reductase enzyme inhibitory substance called a statin (lovastatin or Mevinolin-2.8% dry weight). They contain -glucan which has antiviral and antiallergic properties. Certain protein polysaccharides in the oyster mushroom have anti-hyperglycemic, anti-soft tissue tumor, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive activity in experimental animal studies.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the oyster mushroom is known to expel cold wind and relax tendons and bones.

Other Names

Akurataki (International, Nederlands) Elf-Ohrschnecke (Duits) Pleurotus ferulae nebrodensis (Latin)