Shiitake Mushroom
Similar in texture and color to portobello mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms are a type of brown mushroom that has a rich, umami flavor. They are commonly used in Asia and are a great meat substitute. Shiitake mushrooms are eaten both raw and dried.
Fresh shiitake mushrooms should be firm with a slightly velvety texture. Avoid mushrooms that are soft, slimy, or have discolored caps.
Fresh shiitake mushrooms can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Place them in a paper bag or a loosely covered container to allow for air circulation. Avoid storing them in plastic bags, as this can trap moisture and cause them to spoil faster.
Dried shiitake mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
If you have a lot of shiitake mushrooms, consider making a mushroom powder that you can use to add umami flavor to soups and stews. All you have to do is dry them out and grind them into a powder.
Another fun way to use shiitake mushrooms is to make mushroom jerky. Slice shiitake mushrooms thinly and marinate them in a mixture of soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, and spices. Then, bake or grill them until crispy.
Shiitake mushrooms have been cultivated for more than 1,000 years and considered a delicacy for a long time, reserved only for royalty and the upper class in China.
They are the second most widely cultivated mushroom globally, after button mushrooms. Their cultivation is a sustainable practice that can help to reduce deforestation since these mushrooms can be grown on logs that would otherwise be discarded, and they do not require a lot of land or water to grow.
Shiitake mushrooms are the only mushrooms that contain all eight essential amino acids. This makes them a complete protein source, which is rare in the plant kingdom.
To make a vegetarian version of stuffed peppers, use shiitake mushrooms instead of ground meat. Similarly, you can use these mushrooms as a meat substitute in chilis and stews.
When cooking shiitake mushrooms, try to slice them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
If you’re using dried shiitake mushrooms, soak them in hot water for about 20 minutes before cooking them, but don’t discard the water since it can be used to add flavor to soups, sauces and gravies.
Shiitake mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, particularly lentinans and other beta-glucans. The polysaccharides in shiitake mushrooms stimulate the production of white blood cells and other immune system components, helping your body fight off infections and stay healthy.
Shiitakes contain eritadenine, a compound that may help lower cholesterol levels and improve blood flow, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease. Shiitake mushrooms are low in calories and fat but high in dietary fiber, which keeps you feeling full for longer and may aid in weight management.
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