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King Trumpet (King Oyster) Mushroom

Fungi

Age Suggestion

6 months

Iron-Rich

Common Allergen

three whole raw king trumpet mushrooms in a pile on a white background

When can babies eat king trumpet mushrooms?

King trumpet mushrooms may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Avoid foraging mushrooms to share with baby unless you are an expert mycologist, as there are plenty of poisonous look-a-like species in the wild.

How do you prepare king trumpet mushrooms for babies with baby-led weaning?

Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience.

a Solid Starts infographic with the header How to Cut King Trumpet Mushrooms for babies: cooked halves or finely chopped for 6 months+, cooked and chopped or shredded for 9 months+, and cooked bite-sized pieces for 18 months+

6 months old+:

Mix finely chopped, cooked king trumpet mushrooms (caps and stems) into foods that are easy for baby to pick up or scoop, such as congee, egg strips, mashed vegetables, or porridge. If you have large king trumpet mushrooms, cut the cooked mushroom in half lengthwise (so that the stem is no longer round) then cut the stem into thin strips about the size of two adult fingers pressed together. If baby bites off a big piece of the mushroom, give them a chance to work the food forward and out of their mouth. Because they remain quite firm when cooked, avoid offering king trumpet mushrooms cut into coin shapes, as the round shape poses a higher risk of choking.

9 months old+:

Offer chopped cooked king trumpet mushrooms on their own for the child to pick up as finger food. You can also serve pulled king trumpet mushrooms: cook the mushrooms, let them cool, then use your hands, a hand mixer, or two forks to pull them apart into shreds.

18 months old+:

Offer chopped cooked king trumpet mushrooms as desired, chopped and folded into other foods, bite-sized pieces on their own as finger food or alongside utensils. You can also serve pulled king trumpet mushrooms: cook the mushrooms, let them cool, then use your hands, a hand mixer, or two forks to pull them apart into shreds. If the child has mature eating skills (not overstuffing their mouth, chewing food thoroughly before swallowing, etc.), you can try moving back up in size to larger slices of cooked king trumpet for biting and tearing practice. Just continue to avoid coin-shaped slices and cubes of mushroom, as these continue to pose a higher risk of choking.

a hand holding a king trumpet mushroom cut lengthwise and finely chopped pieces — A cooked king trumpet mushroom cut in half lengthwise and finely chopped pieces for babies 6 months+

a hand holding a cooked king trumpet mushroom shred and chopped pieces — Cooked king trumpet mushroom in a shred or chopped for babies 9 months+

Expand baby’s palate with recipes from around the world with our 100 Dinners for Babies & Toddlers guide.

Videos

Alex, 7 months, eats thin slices of cooked king trumpet mushroom.

Marshall, 9 months, eats shredded, cooked king trumpet mushroom.

Maya, 14 months, eats cooked strips of king trumpet mushroom.

Are king trumpet mushrooms a common choking hazard for babies?

Yes. King trumpet mushrooms can be quite rubbery, firm, and slippery – three qualities that increase the risk of choking. To reduce the risk, finely chop the mushroom before serving. As always, be sure to create a safe eating environment and stay within arm’s reach of baby during mealtime. For more information, visit our section on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with common choking hazards.

Are king trumpet mushrooms a common allergen?

No. Mushroom allergy is rare, although not unheard of. There have been reports of anaphylaxis, as well as rashes amongst those handling mushrooms. Mushrooms also contain chitin, a common carbohydrate found in crustaceans and insects that may contribute to an allergic response in certain individuals.

Individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (also called pollen food allergy syndrome), particularly those sensitive to mold, may also be sensitive to mushrooms. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction. Cooking mushrooms can help minimize and even eliminate the reaction.

Dried mushrooms may be preserved with sulfites. While sulfites are not a common allergen, certain individuals, particularly those with asthma, can have allergy-like reactions to added sulfites. If sulfites are a concern, avoid ingredients such as sulfur dioxide, potassium bisulfate, potassium metabisulfite, sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, and sodium sulfite to name a few.

As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the amount over future meals.

Are king trumpet mushrooms healthy for babies?

Yes. King trumpet mushrooms are a good source of vitamin B6 and fiber. They also offer a touch of zinc, and certain varieties contain vitamin D. These nutrients work together to support baby’s neurodevelopment, metabolism, taste and smell perception, immune function, bone health, and more.

King trumpet mushrooms also come in dried and powdered forms. Powdered king trumpet mushrooms can have added sodium in excess of baby’s needs, so opt for fresh or rehydrated dried mushrooms for babies under 12 months of age.

Make sure to buy king trumpet mushrooms from a reputable source and avoid foraging your own mushrooms unless you are an expert mycologist, as there are many poisonous species growing in the wild.

Can babies eat raw king trumpet mushrooms?

Yes, although king trumpet mushrooms are best served cooked. Cooking mushrooms helps reduce the risk of foodborne illness, while also making them easier to digest and lowering choking risk.

Can king trumpet mushrooms help babies poop?

Yes. King trumpet mushrooms contain fiber and fluid, which help support healthy gut bacteria, bulk up poop, and hydrate the intestines. Mushrooms also offer prebiotics, special carbohydrates that help friendly gut bacteria flourish. Introduce high-fiber foods like mushrooms gradually and regularly in baby’s diet as tolerated; a little gassiness or a few blowouts is just a sign that baby’s digestive system is adjusting, so no need to remove the food from the diet. Remember that pooping patterns can vary significantly from baby to baby. If you have concerns about your baby’s pooping and digestive function, talk to your pediatric healthcare provider.

Where do king trumpet mushrooms come from?

King trumpet mushrooms originated in the fertile lands around the Mediterranean Sea. While king trumpet mushrooms may be foraged in the wild, recent agricultural advances are making cultivated varieties more accessible worldwide. These mushrooms go by many names—cardoncelli, king oyster, and royal trumpet mushrooms, to name a few. But no matter how they are labeled, king trumpet mushrooms can be identified by their distinctive look: a flat brown cap sits on a long, smooth white stem that is as thick or thicker than the cap. Both cap and stem are edible and retain their firm texture when exposed to heat or saucy marinades, making this mushroom a great meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan cooking.

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