Shiitake Mushrooms

An edible mushroom that grows on wood, the shiitake is indigenous to Asia, where it has been known for at least 2,000 years. Today it is cultivated intensively in countries such as China, Korea, and Japan. Indeed, it is second in importance only to the common mushroom and may be considered the equivalent of that species in Japanese cooking.

Shiitake mushrooms are convex or almost flat, occasionally with a small raised central area. Their fleshy, brownish caps are generally 2–4" across, and their stems are woodier than those of most other mushrooms. The time of picking is crucial, as the caps of shiitake mushrooms that are harvested too late tend to be split and sporeless, which makes the mushrooms thin, flat, and relatively tasteless. When dried, their tasty white flesh is slightly acidic and has a stronger aroma. In Western countries, the mushrooms are most often sold in this dried form.

Nutritional Information: Shiitake Mushrooms

Nutrient		Dried (per 100 g)
Water		9%
Protein		9 g
Fat		1 g
Calories		293

Shiitake mushrooms are a good source of potassium. In Asian cultures, they are thought to have numerous medicinal properties and are used to treat problems such as high blood pressure, flu, tumors, stomach ulcers, diabetes, anemia, obesity, and gallstones.

How to Store Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitakes are a bit less fragile than other mushrooms. To store them, keep them unwashed in a paper bag in the refrigerator. They will keep for at least a week.

How to Prepare Shiitake Mushrooms

To prepare shiitakes for eating or cooking, follow these steps:

Clean: Clean shiitake mushrooms with a damp cloth or paper towel, or use a soft brush.
Rinse: Shiitakes can be rinsed briefly under the tap, but don’t allow them to soak, as they will swell with water.
Cut off the stems: Chop or finely slice the stems and cook them separately, as they are firm and stringy.

Dried shiitakes, which have a stronger flavor than the fresh mushrooms, should be covered with warm water and left to sit for about an hour before using. You can add the used water to flavor stocks, soups, and sauces.

How to Cook Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitakes can easily replace other mushrooms in recipes. They have a pleasant flavor and absorb the taste of other ingredients. They are delicious in soups, sauces, stews, and Asian dishes, as well as with pasta and rice. Cooking brings out the flavor of shiitakes, so they’re best eaten cooked in any of the following ways:

Sautéed: Place just a teaspoon or so of oil in a saucepan and sauté the mushrooms over medium heat for 5–7 minutes.
Heated in a closed pan: Cook them over medium heat with very little oil in a tightly closed pan on the stove for 15 minutes.
Heated in the oven: Cook them in a tightly closed pan at 375°F in the oven for 15–20 minutes.