The king trumpet mushroom, scientifically Pleurotus eryngii, is a noble and highly esteemed edible mushroom. In nature, it is found in the Mediterranean region and Western Asia, where its mycelium grows on dead roots and rootstocks of umbellifers such as the field eryngo or sea holly (Eryngium) — the species name eryngii is derived from this plant genus. It is one of the most popular gourmet mushrooms and enjoys growing popularity in fine dining and among mushroom enthusiasts.
Appearance
Visually, the king trumpet mushroom differs significantly from the classic oyster mushroom. The cap is small to medium-sized, ranging from ivory to light brown. Its most characteristic feature is the robust, club-shaped stem, which is often longer and thicker than that of an oyster mushroom. This stem is white to light brown and very fleshy.
Taste and Culinary Use
In terms of taste, the king trumpet mushroom is considered one of the best edible mushrooms of all. The flesh is firm yet tender, with a wonderfully mushroomy, slightly sweet, and very aromatic flavor. There are indeed subtle herbal notes that give the mushroom its name.
In the kitchen, the king trumpet mushroom is extremely versatile: you can fry it, grill it, use it in stir-fries, or prepare it in elegant sauces. Its meatiness makes it ideal as a main ingredient in vegetarian dishes.
Nutritional Values
We only provide quantitative nutritional information (e.g., per 100 g) if it has been analytically verified for our own products. Such values fluctuate depending on the variety, substrate, and time of harvest; a figure taken from literature does not apply to the mushrooms from our facility. As soon as verified values are available, they will be posted here.
Cultivation and Substrate
Cultivating the king trumpet mushroom is somewhat more demanding than the classic oyster mushroom, but it is certainly rewarding for experienced and ambitious home growers. The ideal temperature is between 12 and 18 °C, and the humidity should be between 80 and 90%. One important point: the king trumpet mushroom requires light for fruiting.
When it comes to the substrate, the king trumpet mushroom is more demanding (pickier) than the classic oyster mushroom. A high-quality, clean substrate is essential. Composted wood chips, high-quality straw pellets, or substrates specifically tailored to king trumpet mushrooms are preferred. Colonization typically takes 3 to 4 weeks.
Harvest
Harvesting takes place when the cap shape opens up and the stem has matured to its full size. It is best to detach the entire mushroom from below the base of the cap. A well-established substrate can fruit multiple times over several weeks.
At Meisterpilze, we have developed a special passion for the king trumpet mushroom. At the Erlangen weekly market, it is one of our most popular products. Our king trumpet mushroom grow kits use high-quality, specialized substrates and grain spawn and are ideal for advanced home growers.
⚠️ Safety Instruction – Mushroom Spores (Respiratory Tract)
Mature mushrooms release spores. Inhaling large quantities of spores can irritate the respiratory tract and lungs and, with repeated exposure, trigger allergic reactions or even exogenous allergic alveolitis ("Mushroom Worker's Lung").
- Allow to fruit in well-ventilated rooms; do not place in bedrooms or living areas used for extended periods.
- Harvest mushrooms just before they release their spores to reduce the spore load.
- Sensitive, allergic, or pre-existing individuals, as well as persons with constant exposure: wear respiratory protection (FFP2/FFP3).
- Never consume contaminated or moldy cultures; dispose of the bag while closed and do not stir up or inhale spores while doing so.
Where to get king trumpet mushrooms
Fresh king trumpet mushrooms are available on Saturdays at the Erlangen weekly market (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.) or via Marktschwärmer — not in the online shop. In the shop, you will find everything you need for growing your own mushrooms.
→ You can find king trumpet mushroom grow kits & cultivation supplies in our online shop · → More mushroom knowledge: Mushroom encyclopedia & instructions