Oyster Mushroom 'Blue Shimeji' - 2.2KG Ready To Fruit Block

The most visually dramatic of the cool-weather oyster range. Blue Shimeji (Pleurotus ostreatus) produces deep blue-grey to charcoal fan-shaped clusters with a distinctly richer, nuttier flavour than the pale pearl varieties. The deeper colour translates to a more striking plate presentation and a more complex flavour profile — making it a consistent favourite for restaurants and specialty market stalls that want something beyond standard oyster.

Yield and harvesting: 500–600g on first flush, with up to 4 harvests per block. Clusters are tightly formed, dense, and hold together well for harvest and handling. Harvest pre-curl when cap edges are still flat and colour is at peak depth. Holds 5–7 days refrigerated. The "Shimeji" designation refers to the dense, clustered growth habit — each harvest arrives as a tight bouquet of caps that presents beautifully whole.

In the kitchen: Slightly nuttier and more complex than Pearl Oyster, with the same silky, tender cook. The deeper colour adds visual impact to any dish — particularly effective as a standalone sautéed side where colour and texture can be showcased without competition from other ingredients.

Growing conditions: 14–20°C — cool-weather variety, performing best in autumn, winter, and spring. Fast to pin (5–10 days from initiation), reliable across all four flushes.

Express post and bulk ordering

We strongly recommend express post during summer months to minimise heat exposure in transit. Add the Express Post Addon to your order with a quantity matching your block count. Orders of 4 or more blocks of an individual variety are made to order and may take up to 2 weeks (3 weeks for Pioppino and Reishi). We'll confirm your estimated shipping date once the order is placed.

Why choose Kai Kai Farm commercial blocks

We're not resellers — we're growers. Every block is prepared, sterilised, and colonised right here at Kai Kai Farm on Tamborine Mountain, using methods refined through years of commercial gourmet and medicinal mushroom production. Consistent performance batch-to-batch, verified contamination-free cultures, and full transparency from substrate to shelf.

Storage and handling

If you can't fruit immediately, store in a cool, dark place under 18°C for up to 2 weeks. Handle gently — the mycelium is alive and ready to fruit.

Perfect for

Small commercial farms and start-ups. Market gardeners and farm-to-table producers. Home growers scaling up. Restaurants and chefs looking to harvest unique produce on-site. Workshops and educational demonstrations.