Shiitake mushrooms are one of the handful of mushrooms that can be cultivated on a commercial scale. They are cultivated using trees or wood as a growing medium. Both natural log and sawdust log cultivation are used in small and large scale productions. Natural log cultivation is the oldest method and imitates nature closely. The logs are 100% recyclable; once the logs are exhausted of nutritional benefits, they can be used for composting or as a natural fertilizer.

Shiitake mushrooms, pronounced shee-TAH-kay, range in colors from amber to paper bag-brown. Each mushroom has a wide, umbrella shape with a characteristic curled rim. Their caps, growing up to eight inches in diameter, have a cream-colored interior described as supple-firm. When cooked, shiitakes release a garlic-pine aroma and have a rich, earthy, umami flavor.

Nutritional Value

In addition to their culinary uses, shiitake mushrooms have long been used for medicinal purposes in both raw and dried form. They are rich in vitamins and minerals with potently high levels of vitamin B2, B12 and vitamin D. Shiitakes are a source of the compound Lentinan, which is being evaluated as an anti-cancer drug.

Serving Ideas

Shiitake mushrooms are widely used in Asian cuisine. They are not limited to Asian recipes and although they are a cultivated variety, they may be substituted in recipes calling for "wild mushrooms". Pair shiitake with Asian mustard greens, eggplant, rice, noodles, garlic, soy and chile. May be sauteed, roasted or skewered and grilled.

Geography/History

Shiitake mushrooms are native to East Asia, specifically China and Japan. They have been growing wild since prehistoric times. The first record of cultivation of the shiitake mushroom was documented in China in AD 199. The first shiitake production in the United States did not ocure until a ban on importing live shiitake cultures was lifted in 1972(shiitakes do not grow wild in the U.S.). Cultivated shiitakes require special growing environments. Modern growing environments utilize controlled temperature, heating, humidity, light and moisture content to produce the highest possible yields. Shiitakes are a "social" mushroom, meaning they concentrate in greater numbers among large groups of logs.

Seasons/Availability

Cultivated shiitake mushrooms are available year round.