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Exotic mushrooms are popping up more often in plant-based recipes and for good reason. Blue oyster and lion’s mane mushrooms aren’t just flavourful; they bring unique textures to the plate and can easily hold their own as the hero of a dish.

Grown locally and supporting Woolworths’ Farming for the Future initiative, these mushrooms are farmed with sustainability top of mind, which means better quality for you and a lighter impact on the planet.

Here’s how to tell them apart and how to make the most of them in your kitchen.

1. Flavour and texture

Blue oyster mushrooms are soft, tender and quick to cook. They have a subtle umami flavour, velvety texture and fan-shaped caps that crisp beautifully when pan-fried. They delicate flavour that works well in broths, stir-fries and noodle dishes.

Lion’s mane mushrooms are much meatier – firm, succulent and great for absorbing flavour. When torn into chunks and cooked, they take on a texture similar to crab or pulled meat, with a mild, slightly sweet flavour that pairs well with bold sauces.

2. Cooking tips

Blue oyster: best cooked hot and fast. Sauté or grill with minimal oil until golden and crisp on the edges. No need to peel, simply wipe clean and tear into strips or cook whole.

Lion’s mane: best cooked low and slow. Sear in a hot pan or roast until browned, then add sauces or marinades. You can also pull them apart like shredded meat and pan-fry until caramelised.

3. Appearance and shelf life

Blue oyster mushrooms are easy to spot with their broad, blue-grey caps and delicate stems that grow in layered clusters. They’re lightweight and should be used within a few days of purchase, as their soft texture means they don’t keep for long.

Lion’s mane mushrooms, in contrast, are dense, shaggy, and off-white, resembling little cauliflowers or pom-poms. They have a furry appearance, much like a lion’s mane, which is where they get their name. They have a firmer texture and tend to hold their shape better over a few more days in the fridge, especially with the absorptive paper pad on the base of the punnet to prevent moisture build-up.

4. Where do they come from?

These exotic mushrooms are grown locally in controlled environments by Motherbud Mushrooms, a pioneering vertical farm in South Africa. This method allows for efficient use of space and resources, enabling year-round production. The controlled environment ensures optimal growing conditions, resulting in mushrooms that are both high in quality and sustainably produced.

Motherbud is dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture, empowering women and ensuring food security. Their innovative approach includes regenerative farming practices and circular production systems, ensuring high-quality mushrooms while positively impacting local communities. By partnering with Woolworths, Motherbud brings fresh, locally grown mushrooms to your table, supporting both environmental sustainability and social development.

5. What can I make with them?

These mushrooms don’t just look impressive, they’re also surprisingly easy to cook. Here are two dishes that show off their texture and flavour:

Blue oyster mushroom ramen

This light yet comforting noodle bowl layers delicate umami flavour with vibrant greens. Blue oyster mushrooms are gently poached in a savoury mushroom broth, served over cauliflower noodles and finished with a drizzle of spicy Szechuan pepper chilli oil. It’s warming, fresh and perfect for weeknights.

blue oyster mushroom ramen here

Lion’s mane with Korean BBQ-inspired glaze

Lion’s mane mushrooms are seared until golden and meaty, then brushed with a sticky glaze made using soya sauce, gochujang and chilli crunch. Served sliced over kale and spinach noodles tossed in sesame vinaigrette, this dish hits all the sweet, salty and umami notes of Korean BBQ – with zero meat required.

Korean-BBQ lion’s mane mushrooms here

Photography and videography: Jan Ras and Shavan Rahim
Videography: Kaylene Sauls
Production: Abigail Donnelly and Bianca Jones
Food assistant: Bianca Jones

more mushroom recipes

Motherbud Mushrooms is a trailblazer in sustainable, saleable vertical mushroom farming in South Africa. Committed to innovation, environmental care and empowering women in agriculture, Motherbud grows high-quality blue oyster and lion’s mane mushrooms for Woolworths on a smallholding at the foot of the Groot Drakenstein Mountain.  These fresh, locally grown mushrooms bring unique flavours and textures to your kitchen – a delicious way to support regenerative farming and community upliftment.

shop at Woolworths

Currently available at these stores:

Tygervalley
Waterstone Somerset West
Constantia Village
Cavendish Square
Hout Bay
Gardens Centre, Cape Town
Palmyra Road, Cape Town
Village Square, Durbanville
Canal Walk
V&A Waterfront