How to grow your own Pink Oyster Mushrooms
Pink oyster mushroom (Pleurotus djamor), are a vibrant mushroom that you will rarely see in supermarkets. More meaty in texture than yellow and grey oyster mushrooms, these are a fan favourite as a meat substitute as the texture likens itself to a perfect meat replacement.
Try tearing into strips and pan frying in garlic and butter for a delicious mushrooms on toast breakfast.
Pink Oysters are a great choice to begin your mushroom growing journey with, the exotic species grows quickly and you will see results very quickly, being able to harvest your mushrooms in only 7-10 days.
With one of our Pink Oyster Mushroom Growing Kits you do not have to worry about inoculating the compost / substrate or adding any spawn, we have already taken care of this aspect of mushroom growing so your kits arrive, ready to go and ready to fruit. This sets us out from other mushroom growing kits as our kits arrive at a stage guaranteed to grow, all you need to do is simply spray into the three holes, twice per day and the mushroom fruit bodies will form.
How to setup your Pink Oyster Mushroom Growing Kit
With Pink Oyster Mushroom Growing, it is important to set your grow kit up in the right conditions so it can fruit, typically all of our mushroom growing kits we sell for mushroom cultivation are designed to be grown indoors, out of direct sunlight.
The growing process is very easy and beginner friendly. Whilst each kit comes with easy instructions, We are always on hand for personalized product support and FAQ's are available for common queries.
The kits dimensions are 7x7x7" square in size containing enough nutrition to allow for for 2/3 Harvests
Step One - Setup
Ensure all three growing holes are cut in an "X" on your Kit
Locate your kit anywhere indoors, out of direct sunlight in an area which is between 14-21'c
Your compost will resemble brown straw, it may also have fine pinkish mycelium / growth on it, both are normal depending on the kits age.
Begin spraying the holes twice daily with water, you are not adding water, just keeping the area moist, any pooling water should be dabbed away inbetween spraying.
Your Oyster Mushroom Kit has enough nutrition for 2/3 harvests over 3/4 weeks. Please see article for our grow kit crop rates.
Growing Pink Oyster Mushrooms
Growing Pink Oyster Mushrooms
Step Two - Pinning
Each species of mushroom growing kit we offer will grow at different speeds, this kit typically provides its first crop within 7-10 days upon starting the kit. Pink Oyster Mycelium is very fine, so it will not blanket over the compost, instead fine pink mycelium will form tiny pins, which will get larger over the next few days, until similar size to the picture, to which then full growth is 4-5 days away.
With the Pink Oyster mushrooms, do not be alarmed if it looks like there is not much mycelium present, especially if comparing it to Yellow Oyster mycelium, which is very thick in comparison.
As the small pink mushrooms form, continue spraying these twice daily with water.
Fruiting and Harvesting
Fruiting and Harvesting Information
Step Three - Fruiting and Harvesting
After a week or so of growing, your kit will be fruiting out of the growing holes on the kit.
Please see the picture for reference, this is a typical crop which is now ready to pick. The mushrooms will grow as a "cluster" which is perfectly normal. You should harvest the entire cluster with a clean knife, slicing it off as close to the lid as possible.
The entire fruit body is edible, aside from the very base, closest to the root which is typically quite tough. We have a range of recipes on our blog.
Oyster Mushrooms are best picked before the edges upturn and the mushrooms flatten
If you see white / pink dust / spores on the box, it is time to pick.
How and when to harvest Pink Oyster Mushrooms
To harvest you should take a knife and slice the entire cluster of mushrooms, tight to the box so that you leave a clean, flat surface for the next crop of mushrooms to grow from. Then simply slice and discard the portion close to the root and enjoy the mushroom you have just grown.
Benefits of Pink Oyster Mushrooms
1. High Protein Content: Pink Oyster mushrooms are impressively high in protein per pound, making them a nutritious choice for those looking to add plant-based protein to their diet.
2. Rich in Antioxidants: Pink Oyster mushrooms contain antioxidants that are said to help neutralise free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting cellular health.
3. Essential Minerals: Pink Oyster mushrooms are a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, copper and iron. All of these may contribute to improved immune function and general health.
4. Low-Calorie Option: Naturally low in calories, Pink Oyster mushrooms are ideal for adding volume and nutrients to meals without increasing calorie intake.
Pink Oyster Mushrooms culinary uses
Pink Oyster mushrooms are very adaptable thanks to their subtle flavour. Their meaty texture makes them ideal for grilling, sautéing or incorporating into hearty dishes like stews and curries. When pan-fried with garlic and herbs, their savoury taste deepens, making them a satisfying addition to pasta or as a meat alternative in plant-based recipes.
The striking pink hue of these oyster mushrooms also adds visual appeal, making them a favourite for gourmet presentations. If you're cooking to impress, we certainly recommend experimenting with these mushrooms.
Pink Oyster MushroomsUseful Links And Articles
FAQ for Pink Oyster Mushroom Growing Kit
1. How do I set up my Pink Oyster Mushroom Growing Kit?
To set up your kit, place it indoors in a location that is out of direct sunlight and maintains a temperature between 14-21°C. Ensure the three holes are cut in an "X" shape on the kit. Begin spraying into these holes twice daily with water to keep the surface moist, making sure no water pools in between sprays.
2. What should I expect in the early stages of growth?
Initially, the compost will look like brown straw and may have some fine pink mycelium, which is normal. Unlike other varieties, Pink Oyster mycelium is delicate and won’t fully cover the compost, but small pink “pins” (baby mushrooms) will start forming within the first few days.
3. How soon will my Pink Oyster Mushrooms start to grow?
Pink Oyster mushrooms typically begin fruiting within 7-10 days after starting the kit. The mushrooms will grow in clusters and should be visible within a week.
4. When and how should I harvest the mushrooms?
Harvest the mushrooms once they reach full size and the edges start to upturn, just before they flatten completely. To harvest, use a clean knife to slice the entire cluster close to the box, leaving a flat surface for the next crop to grow.
5. How many harvests can I expect from my kit?
Each Pink Oyster Mushroom kit has enough nutrients for 2-3 harvests over a period of 3-4 weeks. Continue spraying twice daily between harvests to encourage the next crop.
6. How should I store harvested Pink Oyster Mushrooms?
After harvesting, store the mushrooms in the refrigerator, preferably in a paper bag, for up to a week to keep them fresh.