#mukitake

Late Fall Oyster (Mukitake) | Panellus serotinus

This species is Panellus serotinus, the late fall oyster, olive oysterling, or mukitake. It’s more popular in Japan than in the United States, in part because it has a strong taste that some people find bitter. It’s also a little tough if not cooked for a long time (I’ve had good luck sauteing it for a long time on low heat). As it’s common name would suggest, it’s found growing later in the fall, usually after the first frost. 

Late Autumn Oyster - Panellus serotinus

At about 1000 feet up, I don't know I've ever worked harder for a mushroom.... Actually...get back to me after I try carting a 20 ft ladder to the cemetery to cut down that maybe-chicken.

This is late autumn oysterling, Panellus serotinus. In Asia, it is known as mukitake. They have an olive hue when fresh and turn brownish beige as they age. Late autumn oysterling is edible but has a slightly tough texture and must be cooked thoroughly. They tend to be smaller in size than regular oyster mushrooms. They also tend to grow in small groups, unlike regular oysters which grow in larger groups.

Late fall oysters are starting to pop up. These signify the unofficial end to mushroom season. They come up after the first frost on dead hardwood trees. They are a little bitter and have to be cooked a long time but they are tasty in a broth! In Japan they are called mukitake and have been studied for their medicinal qualities. These other Oyster mushrooms are past their prime but you can see the difference between them. I feel the late fall oysters signifying the toughness needed to make it through the colder months ahead. Now is the time prepare to keep our outer body protected and our insides warm. Taking medicinal mushrooms along with warming herbs like ginger and cinnamon is a great way to do that! #medicinalmushrooms #oystermushrooms #latefall #mukitake #wildforaging #coldprevention #immunity #winterwellness #chiforhealing #earthwalker #healingisinyourhands (at Middletown, Connecticut) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4kDBuqJnHh/?igshid=c3g7xg4irhn0