Shiitake mushrooms are a popular edible mushroom found in forests and grocery stores worldwide. They are heavily cultivated and used in Asian and other cuisines. They have health benefits, including high fiber and antioxidants, and may help prevent cancer and boost the immune system.
Shiitake mushrooms, also known as oak, golden, Chinese or black forest mushrooms, are a delicious edible mushroom that can be found widely distributed in the forests and grocery stores of the world. In addition to being found in the wild, shiitake mushrooms are also heavily cultivated for sale in both fresh and dried forms. Mushrooms are used a lot in Asian cooking and are also tasty when added to the food of other nations.
The proper name for shiitake mushrooms is Lentinus edodes, and the brown mushrooms can grow up to a foot (30 centimeters) in diameter, although they are usually harvested in three to six inches (8 to 15 centimeters) in size. The cap has a slightly leathery, cracked texture, and the stem is chewy and largely inedible, although it can be used to add toppings in soups, stews, and sauces. In the wild, shiitakes grow on the trunks of oaks and other hardwoods in large colonies that will reappear year after year.
Shiitake mushrooms are also heavily cultivated in Southeast Asia and the Americas. Many Southern states have large shiitake farms that ship mushrooms all over the United States. Home consumers can also easily grow shiitake mushrooms using mushroom logs, which will produce mushrooms within a few weeks. Mushroom logs are obtainable from specialist suppliers and come with detailed instructions designed to help consumers produce a bumper crop of delicious, fresh mushrooms.
The flavor of shiitake is savory, smoky, woody and slightly fleshy, accompanied by an intense aroma. Mushrooms are often used in stir-fries, sushi, soups and pasta dishes, although the cook’s imagination is the only limit. Fresh shiitake mushrooms can be obtained at many grocery stores and stored in a brown paper bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Dried mushrooms are also easy to obtain and can be used in the same way as fresh shiitakes after rehydrating in hot water.
A scientific study has also established that shiitake may have health benefits as well. Mushrooms are high in fiber and antioxidants and it has been suggested that they may be useful in a cancer-preventing diet. Shiitake mushrooms are also high in iron and vitamin C and supposedly help boost the immune system. Plus, like many fresh fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms, shiitake may also lower bad cholesterol levels and promote heart health.
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