Skip to main content
High-Quality Lab-Grade Cultures. Satisfaction Guaranteed.
Branched Oyster Mushroom.  Mycotopia
Branched Oyster Mushroom.  Mycotopia

Branched Oyster Mushroom.

$20.00
  • Liquid Culture
  • Agar Slant
  • Agar Plate
  • Microtube

The branched oyster mushroom, scientifically known as Pleurotus cornucopiae, is a fascinating species within the vast kingdom of fungi. While it shares similarities with its better-known cousin, the regular oyster mushroom (*Pleurotus ostreatus*), its distinctive appearance and potential medicinal properties make it a subject of growing interest among researchers and health enthusiasts alike. This detailed description aims to delve into the unique characteristics and medicinal qualities of the branched oyster mushroom.

True to its name, the branched oyster mushroom boasts a captivatingly intricate structure resembling branching coral. Its fruiting body consists of multiple fan-shaped or oyster-shaped caps connected by short, branching stems, creating a visually striking ensemble. These mushrooms typically exhibit hues ranging from creamy white to light brown, adding to their aesthetic appeal.

Like many other edible mushrooms, branched oyster mushrooms are a rich source of essential nutrients. They are low in calories but pack a nutritional punch, offering significant amounts of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Key nutrients found in branched oyster mushrooms include:

Branched oyster mushrooms provide a notable source of plant-based protein, making them a valuable addition to vegetarian and vegan diets. Protein is essential for muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall health.

These mushrooms are particularly rich in B vitamins, including riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), and pantothenic acid (B5). B vitamins play crucial roles in energy metabolism, nervous system function, and red blood cell production.

Branched oyster mushrooms contain essential minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, and copper. Potassium is vital for maintaining electrolyte balance and supporting heart health, while phosphorus contributes to bone strength and energy metabolism. Copper is involved in various physiological processes, including iron absorption and antioxidant defense.

With a notable fiber content, branched oyster mushrooms support digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and aiding in the removal of waste and toxins from the body.

Beyond their culinary appeal and nutritional value, branched oyster mushrooms have garnered attention for their potential medicinal properties. Traditional medicinal systems, particularly in East Asia, have long recognized the therapeutic benefits of mushrooms, including the branched oyster variety. Some of the notable medicinal qualities attributed to branched oyster mushrooms include:

Branched oyster mushrooms contain bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides and beta-glucans, which possess immunomodulatory properties. These compounds have been shown to enhance immune function by stimulating the activity of immune cells and promoting the production of cytokines, signaling molecules involved in the immune response. As a result, branched oyster mushrooms may help bolster the body's defenses against infections and diseases.

The branched oyster mushroom is also valued for its antioxidant properties, attributed to compounds such as phenols and flavonoids. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, thereby reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. By combating oxidative damage, branched oyster mushrooms may contribute to overall health and longevity, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions.

Inflammation is a natural immune response, but chronic inflammation can contribute to various health issues, including arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Studies suggest that certain compounds found in branched oyster mushrooms possess anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate inflammation and associated symptoms.

Research indicates that branched oyster mushrooms exhibit antimicrobial activity against various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This antimicrobial action is attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds like lectins and peptides, which can inhibit the growth and proliferation of harmful microorganisms. By exerting antimicrobial effects, branched oyster mushrooms may aid in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.

Some popular culinary uses and preparations of branched oyster mushrooms include:

Stir-fries: Branched oyster mushrooms can be quickly sautéed or stir-fried with vegetables, garlic, and savory sauces to create flavorful and nutritious stir-fry dishes.

Soups and Stews: These mushrooms add depth and richness to soups, stews, and broths, imparting their unique flavor and enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Grilling or Roasting: Branched oyster mushrooms can be grilled or roasted to perfection, either on their own or as part of vegetable kebabs or meatless burger patties.

Salads: When raw, branched oyster mushrooms can be thinly sliced and added to salads for a crunchy texture and subtle umami flavor.

Marinades: Marinating branched oyster mushrooms in flavorful sauces or seasonings before cooking can enhance their taste and tenderness, resulting in mouthwatering dishes.

The branched oyster mushroom is a remarkable species with a myriad of virtues, from its captivating appearance and nutritional richness to its potential medicinal properties. As ongoing research continues to unveil the therapeutic potential of this mushroom, it remains a valuable resource in both culinary traditions and natural medicine. Whether enjoyed as a delicious ingredient in gourmet meals or incorporated into wellness regimens for its health-promoting effects, the branched oyster mushroom stands as a testament to the bountiful treasures that nature offers.

Q.C. (s)

The shipping time for our custom-made culture product is 10 days. This is why:

  • Our method for sending you fresh cultures is a process, differing from most other suppliers with the goal of eliminating contamination which avoids wasting your time and resources. Managing a library of mycology cultures in cold storage is our solution to be efficient given the large number of varieties we have—almost 800.
  • All mycology cultures are maintained in cold storage, which helps preserve their viability and genetic integrity. This is crucial for long-term storage, especially with such a diverse collection.
  •  When a particular culture is ordered, the corresponding culture is retrieved from cold storage. This minimizes the risk of degradation while ensuring that the culture remains viable.
  •  The retrieved culture is then inoculated into both agar plates and liquid culture media. This step allows for the expansion of the culture and provides a suitable environment for growth.
  • After a set incubation period, the cultures undergo a quality check to assess their health, purity, and growth characteristics. This ensures that the cultures are robust and meet your standards before they are sent out.
  • Once the cultures pass the QC, they are prepared for packaging. This involves ensuring that the cultures are securely contained to prevent contamination and damage during transit. Finally, the fresh cultures are shipped to the customer. You will receive an email with tracking information once shipped.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our laboratory quality practices encompass a set of systematic and standardized procedures that are implemented to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and precision of a high-quality product. We view these practices as essential for maintaining the overall quality and integrity of laboratory operations, as well as for providing 100 % pure, contamination free cultures. These practices include:

  • Equipment Calibration: Laboratory instruments and equipment are regularly calibrated to establish and maintain optimum performance. As one example, our flow hoods are routinely tested to provide 0.2 micron filtered laminar air flow at all workstations. Calibration ensures that instruments are providing reliable and consistent outcomes.
  • Quality Assurance (QA): we maintain a quality management system, conduct internal audits, and continuously monitor and evaluate laboratory performance.
  • Quality Control (QC): We use control materials to monitor the accuracy and purity of culture products. Control materials are run alongside culture samples to assess performance of our methods. Any deviations from expected outcomes indicate issues with the process and prompt corrective action.
  • Culture Testing: Quality assessment programs are in place, where each culture is tested on agar petri dishes on a regular interval. Virility of genetics performance is assessed by spot checking the strain in fruiting conditions. 
  • Documentation and Record-Keeping: A crucial component of quality control. This includes documenting instrument maintenance, calibration records, QC data, corrective actions taken, and relevant product information. Proper documentation ensures traceability, allows for retrospective analysis, and facilitates compliance with our standardized process.
  • Personnel Training and Competency: Laboratory staff receive appropriate training to perform their tasks competently. Training programs cover standard operating procedures, safety protocols, good laboratory practices, and quality control procedures. Regular competency assessments are conducted to ensure that staff members consistently perform at the required proficiency level.
  • Error Investigation and Corrective Action: When errors or deviations occur, they are promptly investigated to identify root causes. Corrective actions are implemented to prevent the recurrence of errors and improve laboratory processes. We feel that documentation of errors, investigations, and corrective actions is crucial for continuous improvement and compliance with contamination free product.
  • Quality Control Data Analysis: QC data is regularly analyzed to identify trends, shifts, or any patterns that may indicate a deterioration in process or product performance.

    By implementing these laboratory quality control practices, we can ensure accurate, contamination free products in order to enhance patient safety, and maintain our integrity. 

We custom-made all of our cultures to ensure freshnesh. Lead time to ship is 10 days.

Our process:

  • Our method for sending you fresh cultures is a process, differing from most other suppliers with the goal of eliminating contamination which avoids wasting your time and resources. Managing a library of mycology cultures in cold storage is our solution to be efficient given the large number of varieties we have—almost 800.
  • All mycology cultures are maintained in cold storage, which helps preserve their viability and genetic integrity. This is crucial for long-term storage, especially with such a diverse collection.
  •  When a particular culture is ordered, the corresponding culture is retrieved from cold storage. This minimizes the risk of degradation while ensuring that the culture remains viable.
  •  The retrieved culture is then inoculated into both agar plates and liquid culture media. This step allows for the expansion of the culture and provides a suitable environment for growth.

  • After a set incubation period, the cultures undergo a quality check to assess their health, purity, and growth characteristics. This ensures that the cultures are robust and meet your standards before they are sent out.
  • Once the cultures pass the QC, they are prepared for packaging. This involves ensuring that the cultures are securely contained to prevent contamination and damage during transit. Finally, the fresh cultures are shipped to the customer. You will receive an email with tracking information once shipped.