Black King Trumpet Mushrooms

Pleurotus eryngii (dark-capped variety)

About

Black King Trumpet is a striking, dark capped relative of the more familiar King Trumpet mushroom, sharing the same dense, meaty stem but topped with a deep charcoal to near black cap that sets it apart on sight. It belongs to a small family of King Trumpet variants prized for bringing extra visual drama to a plate without losing any of the texture the species is known for.

Flavor Profile & Texture

The flavor is close to King Trumpet, mild, umami forward, and subtly sweet, though many describe Black King Trumpet as carrying a touch more earthiness underneath. Texturally, it shares the same dense, scallop like bite in the stem, holding its shape beautifully under high heat, while the dark cap adds real contrast to the plate.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient Amount (Per 100g, Raw)

Calories ~35 kcal

Protein ~ ~2.7 g

Carbohydrates ~ ~6 g

Dietary Fiber ~ ~2.3 g

Fat ~ ~0.4 g

Potassium ~420 mg

Niacin (B3) ~ Good source

Sodium ~ Naturally low

Approximate values, based on general USDA nutrient data for this or closely related species. Provided for general educational purposes only — not medical advice.

Keeping It Fresh

Store unwashed in a paper bag in the refrigerator. Like other King Trumpet varieties, it holds up longer than most gourmet mushrooms, often up to 10 days.

Recipe Ideas

● Sliced into medallions and seared as a dramatic scallop substitute

● Grilled lengthwise for a striking char

● Sliced thin and roasted until crisp

● Used in place of King Trumpet for a bolder visual

● Pickled for a charcuterie board with dramatic color

Complementary Meals

Breakfast — Dice it small and fold it into a savory breakfast hash, where its dense texture holds up to a hot pan the way potatoes do.

Lunch — Grill and slice it over a grain bowl, where its dark color makes an otherwise simple lunch look considerably more composed.

Dinner — Sear thick medallions and finish with a butter herb sauce, letting the dramatic dark cap and meaty texture carry the plate as a genuine entree.

Drink Pairings

Wine — A structured red such as Pinot Noir plays well against the mushroom's earthier depth. Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery in Dahlonega, GA, produces a Pinot Noir suited to this pairing.

Beer — A dark, malty porter mirrors the mushroom's own dark color and depth. Wild Heaven Beer, based in Avondale Estates, GA, offers darker styles suited here.

Spirits — A neat pour of aged bourbon complements the earthiness nicely. ASW Distillery's Fiddler Bourbon, distilled in Atlanta, GA, is a fitting choice.

Non-Alcoholic — A dark, roasted kombucha echoes the mushroom's depth. Golda Kombucha in Atlanta, GA, offers darker, roasted varieties suited to this pairing.