DRIED PADDY STRAW MUSHROOMS

Paddy Straw Mushrooms (Volvariella Volvacea) also known as grass mushrooms, are so named for their cultivation on rice straw used in South Asian rice paddys. Paddy Straws are a high temperature mushroom grown largely in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, e.g. China, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Madagascar. In Indonesia and Malaysia, mushroom growers just leave thoroughly moistened paddy straw under trees and wait for harvest. This mushroom can be grown on a variety of agricultural wastes (the cultivation method of this mushroom is similar to that of Agaricus bisporus ) for preparation of the substrate such as water hyacinth, oil palm bunch waste, dried banana leaves, cotton or wood waste - though with lower yield than with paddy straw, which is the most successful. Mushroom production is encouraged by heavy watering, temperature reduction and light. Paddy straw mushrooms account for 16% of total production of cultivated mushrooms in the world.

This earthy growing medium adds a distinctly delicate yet slightly musty overtone to this mushroom's flavor. Straw mushrooms are an indispensable ingredient in many Asian dishes. Generally not available fresh outside of Asia, specimens of this cultivated mushroom can sometimes be found in specialty produce markets; however the dried versions of this mushroom are delicious, and their tiny (about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter) bite-size shape make them easy to prepare. Their singular shape gives them a visual uniqueness unlike any domestic mushroom. Their flavor and texture are easily substituted for standard button mushrooms, adding a spark of individuality.

Straw mushrooms range in color from pale tan when young to dark charcoal gray when mature and are frequently found enhancing recipes from Southern China. They're delicious in chicken stir fry, pork chop suey, shrimp chow mein, Oriental soups and sauces. Use Paddy Straws in meat loaf or vegetarian tofu recipes. Try threading onto a small skewer with other vegetables and meat chunks, and add new character to any vegetable mixture. Garnish steaks or chops with whole mushrooms, using pieces in sauces. Texture makes paddy straw mushrooms an excellent meat substitute. Add to vegetarian entrees as a protein source. Use in any vegetable or leafy salad as a flavorful ingredient and attractive garnish.

 

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