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Shiitake Mushroom
What is shiitake?
Scientific Name: Lentinus edodes
Shiitake is named due to its relationship with the Japanese evergreen oak; in China; it is called shaingugu, or hsiang ku, meaning "fragrant mushroom."
Around 1100 A.D. a woodcutter named Wu San Kwung (now known as the "Father of Shiitake") discovered the logs he had slashed with his axe had grown mushrooms, thus was born the first log-grown mushroom cultivation operation in history. Presently, almost every mushroom-growing village in China has a statue in his honor!
If it weren't for Kwungs discovery many centuries ago, humans would not have the benefit of cultivation, medicine, homeopathy, and even mycoremediation! Keep scrolling to learn more about Shiitake, and why it is one of our favorite mushroom species that we grow.
Cooking with Shiitake
Shiitake is the second-most commonly consumed mushroom in the entire world! Another amazing fact about shiitake is that medicinal properties persist when cooked, all the way up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit!
Shiitake can be dried, sautéed, grilled, reconstituted, and made into tea, just to name a few. Shiitake is a very versatile fungi, to say the least!
Dried Shiitake mushrooms are a kitchen essential and can easily be found at many Asian markets. Dried Shiitake have a more intense flavor profile than fresh, and have a very long shelf life: 6 months to an entire year!
Most chefs prefer to slice Shiitake into thick pieces, but the possibilities with this mushroom in the kitchen are endless. Even the stems of Shiitake are used in broths, stews, and sauces to add that rich, robust, umami flavor.
Dan Dan Noodles with Seitan, Shiitake Mushrooms & Napa Cabbage
Order some of our Shiitake mushrooms to use in this healthy vegan dish! Low-calorie, dairy-free, and with a slight kiss of floral heat, this recipe is sure to please you and yours. Contact Us with any questions you may have, and be sure to tag us with your meal to be feature on on our Instagram page!
