We have an array of chestnut mushroom recipe options to try for some new flavor experiences with the interesting and unique chestnut mushrooms
The chestnut mushroom (Pholiota adiposa) is an up-and-coming superstar in the specialty mushroom market that is not being cultivated in the United States.
These mushrooms look really cool when they start fruiting! They almost look like a flower or fractal star. Then a few days later they get a nice brown color to them. Chestnut mushrooms produce a bountiful cluster when they fruit. Historically we’ve got ¾ - 1 pound on the first flush.
Below we are sharing some chestnut mushroom recipe options to try with your fresh chestnuts!
Info to know on the chestnut mushroom (Pholiota adiposa)
The word “pholiota” means scaly in Latin, and “adiposa” comes from the name of lard or grease. The caps of these mushrooms have a scaly texture and the surface of the cap has a greasiness to it. The caps will feel slimy if wet.
In the wild the chestnut mushrooms primarily grow on beech trees, although they have also been found on oaks and poplars.
Using our chestnut mushroom growing kits
Chestnut mushrooms like cooler temperatures than some other mushrooms. We consider this mushroom to be middle of the road when it comes to its ease of cultivating. It is not an easy mushroom to grow (like blue oysters) nor is it a difficult mushroom to grow (think chicken of the woods). For fruiting the chestnut mushrooms, a temperature between 50-70 degrees F is desired, with a relative humidity 95-100%.
Once you receive your chestnut mushroom growing kit from us, you can cut a big shape in the broad sides of the bag. Begin misting them with water. Historically we have sprayed them more thoroughly during the first few days of fruiting to ensure the humidity levels stay appropriate. Keep the kit in an area that does not receive direct sunlight, but has enough light that one could comfortably read a book. Your kit should produce fresh mushrooms within two weeks of starting the kit.
Each one of our chestnut mushroom growing kits is 10 pounds of colonized substrate and certified organic. We expect that you will be able to fruit 2-4 pounds of fresh mushrooms from the kit throughout its lifespan.
5 chestnut mushroom recipe options to try with your harvests
People who like to use chestnut mushrooms in their meals often do so because of their texture. Chestnut mushrooms don’t lose their texture or shrink as much as some mushrooms do once cooked. Keeping that texture helps the mushroom remain a viable option for many exciting options.
Chestnut mushroom recipe #1: Chestnut mushroom stuffing
Stuffing isn’t just for Thanksgiving anymore. Although, if you are reading this around Thanksgiving time, then consider chestnut mushroom stuffing as an option for you!
If you’re not much of a turkey fan, you can still use this chestnut mushroom stuffing in other dishes or as a side. How about stuffing large portobello mushroom caps with some chestnut mushroom stuffing?! Talk about a mushroom meal for ya!
Learn how to make vegan chestnut mushroom stuffing when you visit One Green Planet now.
Chestnut mushroom recipe #2: Chestnut mushroom bolognese
The chestnut mushroom stuffing gets a little away from traditional stuffing, just like this bolognese. Historically, bolognese is a meat-based sauce found in Italian cuisine. However, today we are looking at a vegetarian option for those who do not want meat. Or, you could still add some meat in if you desired. Either way, the dish still involves a lovely myriad of ingredients, including garlic, onion, basil, tomato paste, and cheddar cheese. Yum!
Learn how to make this delicious bolognese with chestnut mushrooms now.
Chestnut mushroom recipe #3: Creamy chestnut mushroom soup
Do you have an hour to spare? If so, you can make some creamy chestnut mushroom soup. Cream of mushroom soup is one of my favorite meals when it’s cold out, and trying it with chestnut mushrooms adds a little bit more, in my opinion, than you get if you use button mushrooms.
This is another fairly simple recipe to try. The main ingredients beyond the chestnut mushrooms are onion, celery, carrot, garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Then there are some other spices you can add for taste, like pepper and salt. Check out this recipe for creamy chestnut mushroom soup now.
Chestnut mushroom recipe #4: Balsamic chestnut mushroom spaghetti with chicken
The shiitake-like but nuttier taste of chestnut mushrooms can pair well with the rich, complex flavor of balsamic vinegar. This recipe also utilizes chicken, garlic, onion, parsley, and chives. This healthy and nourishing recipe can be found in its entirety at Oh My Dish.
Chestnut mushroom recipe #5: Chestnut mushroom bourguignon
This recipe is a delicious comfort food that incorporates a rich red wine gravy. This recipe from The Veg Space can be consumed by both vegans and vegetarians as well. The author also mentions that this dish goes well with green beans and mashed potatoes. Learn all about this mouth-watering recipe here.
Can’t find any fresh, organic chestnut mushrooms where you live? Grow your own with our big chestnut mushroom growing kits!