Shiitake Mushrooms
Estimated Inventory, 5 lbs : 9.50
This item was last sold on : 05/07/25
Description/Taste
Shiitake mushrooms are small to medium in size with caps averaging 10-20 centimeters in diameter and are attached to thin stems. The caps range in color from light to dark brown and have a wide, umbrella shape with a characteristic curled rim. Inside, the cream-colored flesh is firm, chewy, and spongy. Underneath the cap, the white gills are tightly arranged, are not attached to the stem, and depending on the maturity, there may also be a thin veil covering the gills. The ivory to light brown stem is smooth, tough, and fibrous. When cooked, Shiitake mushrooms release a garlic-pine aroma and have a savory, earthy, and smoky, umami flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Wild Shiitake mushrooms are available in the spring through early fall, while the cultivated versions are available year-round.
Current Facts
Shiitake mushrooms, botanically classified as Lentinula edodes, are the second most commonly consumed mushroom in the world after the button mushroom and are members of the Marasmiaceae family. Also known as Dongo, Shanku, Black Forest mushroom, Shiang-gu, Oak mushroom, and Black mushroom, Shiitake mushrooms grow in clusters on dead hardwoods including shii, beech, maple, oak, and poplar. In Japan, there are two general types of Shiitake mushrooms including the donko, which is a highly valued mushroom that is more round with thick flesh and the koshin, which is a mushroom with a thinner flesh and an open cap. Donko Shiitake mushrooms are prized for their medicinal value as the cap is only partially open and retains more of the spores. Today Shiitake mushrooms are cultivated worldwide and are valued for their umami flavor and chewy, dense texture.
Nutritional Value
Shiitake mushrooms contain vitamins A, B2, B12, C, and D, iron, calcium, copper, selenium, zinc, and manganese.
Applications
Shiitake mushrooms are best suited for cooked applications such as frying, sautéing, boiling, steaming, and grilling. Although Shiitake mushrooms are a cultivated variety, their umami, earthy flavor and texture lend itself to be a substitute in recipes calling for wild mushrooms. They can be sliced and used in stir-fries, miso soup, vegetarian dashi, stuffed and steamed, cooked in omelets, mixed into pasta, or fried. They can also be dried and rehydrated for extended use or dried and ground into a powder as a flavoring agent for soups, stocks, and sauces. Shiitake mushrooms pair well with marjoram, thyme, cilantro, spinach, mustard greens, eggplant, broccoli, peas, ramps, carrots, bell pepper, baby corn, water chestnuts, potatoes, onion, green onion, garlic, ginger, poultry, pork, lamb, shrimp, rice, barley, pasta, soy sauce, and dry red wine. They will keep 1-2 weeks when stored in a paper bag in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In China, Shiitake mushrooms have been growing for centuries and were first cultivated by Wu San Kwung during the Sung Dynasty between 960-1127 CE. Known as Shaingug or Hsiang Ku, which means “fragrant mushroom,” the Chinese value this variety for its culinary versatility and its medicinal properties. In traditional medicine, Shiitake mushrooms are believed to help reduce symptoms of the common cold, increase energy, and ward off hunger.
Geography/History
Shiitake mushrooms are native to East Asia, specifically China and Japan, and have been growing wild since prehistoric times. These mushrooms are predominately cultivated today rather than being found in the wild and are produced in China. The United States also cultivates the popular mushroom as it does not grow wild there, but the first Shiitake production in the United States did not occur until a ban on importing live Shiitake cultures was lifted in 1972. Today Shiitake mushrooms are widely found at supermarkets, online stores, farmers markets, and specialty grocers in Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | San Diego CA | 619-816-8319 |
| Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
| Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
| Chef Lance Roll | Vista CA | 760-685-2433 |
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort | Carlsbad CA | 760-602-0800 |
| Fish Guts | San Diego CA | 619-888-0081 |
| Common Theory Chula Vista | Chula Vista CA | 619-495-3689 |
| Sushi Gaga | San Diego CA | 619-808-1556 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| 333 Pacific | Oceanside CA | 760-433-3333 |
| Mission Bay Beach Club | San Diego CA | 858-201-7551 |
| Golden Door | San Marcos CA | 760-761-4142 |
| Sushi Ota 2021 | San Diego CA | 858-270-5047 |
| Harney Poway Sushi | Poway CA | 760-533-0051 |
| Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 619-795-9135 |
| Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Shiitake Mushrooms. One
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