Abalone
Abalone
The Abalone mushroom, scientific name Pleurotus cystidiosus, is also known as the White Elf, King mushroom and the Akuratake mushroom. It is an oyster mushroom variety that requires special growing conditions to meet its nutritional needs. Unlike green plants, mushrooms are void of chlorophyl, thus they need outside sources of food. These food sources are plant material known as "substrates". Substrates vary from wood logs, several types of straws and other types of organic plant waste materials. Tiny threads spread from the mushrooms fruiting body and feed on substrates, collecting nutrients necessary for growth and survival, at the expense of the plant material.
Source: SpecialtyProduce.com
A relative of the Trumpet Royale, Abalone or Nebrodini Bianco is a large firm mushroom with a beautiful vase shape and a color ranging from ivory to glistening white. Individual mushrooms range from 3 to 4 inches tall and can weigh up to 2 ½ ounces. The flavor is sweet and rich. The texture is unlike any cultivated mushroom you've tasted before. Imagine the most tender abalone! Very versatile - at home both in green curry with coconut or with tomato, olive and capers.
