{Lentinula edodes}
Lentinula edodes, commonly known as the shiitake mushroom, is a species of edible mushroom that belongs to the family Marasmiaceae. Its cap is brownish-tan and ranges from smooth to slightly wrinkled with white gills underneath.
Uses
Shiitake boasts a rich fragrance, firm meaty texture, and a robust pungent, woodsy, earthy flavor that is distinct yet adaptable. Known for their deep Umami taste, shiitake are great for enhancing the flavor of almost any dish: meat, veggies, poultry, seafood, eggs, even baked goods. Shiitake are great sauteed, stuffed, roasted, grilled, pickled; or in soups, sauces, stir-frys, pastas and omelets. Shiitake also has various exotic uses in skin care, brewing, infusions, teas, and fermentation.
History
Lentinula edodes, or Shiitake Mushroom, has been revered throughout history for its potential health benefits thanks to high polysaccharides content. Native to East Asia where it has been cultivated for over 1,000 years, shiitake are highly regarded for both culinary and medicinal virtues. Shiitake mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years due to their potential health benefits. They were believed to boost energy levels, improve circulation, tonify blood, resolve phlegm, among other things. One of the most notable characteristics of Lentinula edodes is its ability to produce vitamin D when exposed to UV light. It contains high levels of polysaccharides which may help boost immune function and lower cholesterol levels.
Cultivation
Shiitake is also a widely consumed and popular mushroom in North America. Our Shiitake are grown on hardwood sawdust supplemented with organic wheat bran and maintained in carefully controlled conditions that mimic their natural environment. We use organic substrates free from harmful chemicals ensuring our products are not just healthy but also safe for consumption.
We guarantee that our cultivated shiitake mushrooms match up to their wild counterparts in terms of flavor intensity while remaining fresh longer due to careful cultivation process. Shiitake may also be grown effectively on hardwood logs outdoors. Although this method is slower and more seasonal than our technique, it is a great way for the home gardener to grow mushrooms at home.
