Golden oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus citrinopileatus) are beautiful, fast-growing, warm-weather fungi known for their nutty flavor (like cashews) and delicate texture when cooked, making them popular for gourmet food; however, they are also a fast-spreading invasive species in North America, outcompeting natives, and are very fragile with a short shelf life, requiring careful harvesting and handling (notes Lansing State Journal, Real Mushrooms, mymushroomtips.com, iNaturalist, Specialty Produce, and theconversation.com, and ZOMBIE MUSHROOMS).

Key Characteristics
Appearance: Bright yellow, funnel-shaped caps growing in dense clusters (bouquets).
Flavor & Texture: Nutty (like cashews) and savory when cooked; raw taste can be bitter. Texture becomes chewy but remains delicate.
Scent: Often described as smelling like fresh watermelon. 
Cultivation & Foraging
Easy to Grow: Popular for home growing due to fast growth and ability to grow on agricultural waste (straw, coffee grounds).
Needs Warmth & Air: Requires temperatures 75-90°F (24-32°C) for fruiting and lots of fresh air.
Harvesting: Harvest young before bugs get in; inspect stems for larvae; store in fridge. 
Important Cautions (Invasive Species)
Outcompetes Natives: Escaped from cultivation and is spreading rapidly in North American forests, reducing fungal biodiversity.
Ecological Concern: Impacts native ecosystems by competing with other fungi and affecting wood decomposition.
Report Sightings: Report finds in the wild to help researchers track its spread (e.g., via iNaturalist). 
 
Golden oyster mushrooms are packed with antioxidants (like ergothioneine), beta-glucans, B vitamins, minerals, and fiber, offering benefits like heart health support (lowering cholesterol), boosting immunity, fighting inflammation (good for arthritis), regulating blood sugar, promoting digestive health, and potentially protecting against cancer and aging due to their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, all while being low in calories and fat. 
Key Health Benefits:
Rich in Antioxidants: Contain high levels of ergothioneine, flavonoids, and phenolics that fight free radicals, reduce cell damage, and lower disease risk, including heart disease and some cancers.
Heart Health: Beta-glucans help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, while natural compounds like lovastatin support heart function.
Immune Support: Help train the immune system and provide nutrients that bolster overall immune function.
Anti-inflammatory: Their compounds help calm inflammation, benefiting conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and muscle pain.
Blood Sugar Control: May help manage blood sugar levels.
Digestive Health: Fiber and antioxidants support a balanced gut environment and digestion.
Nutrient-Dense: A good source of protein, fiber, B vitamins (niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid), copper, potassium, zinc, iron, and vitamin D (if exposed to sunlight).
Anti-aging & Brain Health: Ergothioneine is linked to anti-aging and improved cognitive function. 
How to Use Them:
Sauté with garlic and herbs as a side dish or pasta topping.
Add to soups, stews, omelets, stir-fries, and quiches.
Grill on skewers with other vegetables.