Shoro
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Shoro mushrooms are small in size, averaging 1 to 4 centimeters in diameter, and have an irregular, round, oval, to oblong shape with a lumpy, curved nature. The mushrooms are shaped like a lopsided ball without a true cap or stem, and occasionally mycelium can be found still attached, resembling fine root hairs. The skin is smooth, taut, and ranges in color from tan, light brown, brown, white, to red-brown, and a faint red tint may appear if the surface is scratched. Underneath the skin, the flesh showcases two main stages. Young Shoro mushrooms have pure white, solid flesh and are prized for their elastic, slightly brittle, firm, and crisp consistency. As the mushrooms mature, their flesh will transition into yellow-brown, dark brown, to almost black hues, a sign of inedibility. Overly mature Shoro mushrooms will have a soft, slimy, and mucus-like consistency. Only young Shoro mushrooms are considered edible. The mushrooms emit a faint, pine-scented aroma and have a bland, subtly sweet, and mellow flavor. Shoro mushrooms are primarily utilized in cooked preparations to absorb accompanying flavors and provide added texture.
Seasons/Availability
Shoro mushrooms are available twice a year in the spring and fall. The exact season varies depending on the region and climate, but the mushrooms are generally found March through April and again in September through October.
Current Facts
Shoro mushrooms, botanically classified as Rhizopogon roseolus, are a rare species belonging to the Rhizopogonaceae family. The mushrooms grow wild in select regions of the northern hemisphere beneath conifer trees and are a type of ectomycorrhizal fungus, meaning the fungi have a symbiotic, mutually beneficial relationship with the roots of the tree. The scientific name Rhizopogon roseolus was given for the mushrooms distinguishing characteristics. Rhizopogon translates to mean "bear-like roots," a descriptor for the trailing, root-like mycelium that may be found attached to the body of the fungus. "Roseolus," meaning "pale red," highlights the mushroom's nature to turn pale red when the surface is scratched. Though Shoro mushrooms are found in select regions worldwide, they are most closely associated with Japan as the species is an ancient delicacy. Shoro mushrooms have been foraged in Japan for hundreds of years and are prized for their chewy, spongy texture and ability to absorb accompanying flavors. There are two main stages of Shoro mushrooms: yonematsuro, the white-flesh stage, and mugimatsuro, the yellow-brown flesh stage. Shoro mushrooms are only consumed in their yonematsuro stage, and the white-fleshed versions are the most in-demand in culinary markets. In the present day, Shoro mushrooms are scarce and challenging to find. The seasonal mushrooms are typically only harvested in small quantities, and most are sold to high-end restaurants as a premium ingredient. It is important to note that Shoro mushrooms have two poisonous look-a-likes: Usuki Niseshoro and Himetakashoro. Both look-a-like mushrooms are toxic and should not be consumed. It is essential to speak with an expert before foraging and consuming any wild mushroom.
Nutritional Value
Shoro mushrooms have not been studied for their nutritional content. The mushrooms are thought to be very low in vitamins and minerals. Like other mushrooms, they may contain trace amounts of potassium, zinc, manganese, vitamin D, and phosphors, but more research needs to be conducted to substantiate nutritional claims. The mushrooms may also provide low amounts of fiber to stimulate the digestive tract.
Applications
Shoro mushrooms have a bland, neutral taste suited for cooked preparations where they can absorb accompanying flavors. The mushrooms are typically boiled, sauteed, or braised in aromatics and can be mixed into pasta, main meat dishes, or vegetable sides. Shoro mushrooms are also marinated or pickled as a tangy topping or simmered into soups. In Japan, the fungi are added to miso soup or suimono, an autumn soup made with a clear dashi broth. They are also cooked in chawanmushi, a savory egg-based custard topped with meats and vegetables. In the Saga Prefecture on Kyushu Island, the shape of Shoro mushrooms has inspired a dessert known as Shoro Manju. The dessert is famous in Karatsu and is comprised of a sweet bean paste enveloped in a cake-like exterior made from castella dough. Shoro mushrooms pair well with ginkgo nuts, mitsuba leaves, edamame, carrots, fish cakes, shrimp, chicken, tofu, eggs, mirin, and ramen noodles. Once harvested, Shoro mushrooms have a short shelf life and should be used immediately after harvesting for the best quality and flavor.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Japan, the name Shoro is derived from the Japanese word "Shou-ro," meaning "pine dew" or "raindrops from pine leaves." The mushrooms are most commonly found at the base of pine trees along coastal sand dunes and typically have a faint pine-like aroma when harvested. Local Japanese folklore also states that Shoro mushrooms were created from the spirit of the pine trees in ancient times, leading the mushrooms to be a food with condensed qi or energy. Beyond folklore, Shoro mushrooms are sometimes known as Phantom mushrooms or False Truffles in Japan. The ghostly moniker was given to the species as the mushrooms are presently very rare in commercial markets. Several attempts at commercially cultivating Shoro mushrooms have been made, but none of the experiments have proved successful. The most notable test was in 1999 in New Zealand, where four plantations of pine trees were artificially inoculated with Shoro mushroom spores. It was reported that three of the four plantations were able to produce some mushrooms, but Japanese consumers refused to purchase the fungi as they weren't grown in Japan. Only locally grown mushrooms are considered to be "true" Shoro mushrooms.
Geography/History
Shoro mushrooms are native to regions of the Northern Hemisphere, most commonly found at the base of conifer trees, specifically Red and Black pines. The species has a symbiotic relationship with the roots of the tree, allowing both the mushroom and the tree to thrive, and the mushrooms are typically found just below the soil surface or nestled among needles and other ground cover. Shoro mushrooms are primarily associated with Japan, where they have been growing for hundreds of years in the sandy soils of the coastal pine forests. Experts allude to the mushroom's historical popularity, with records of its use found in the 17th century. By the 19th century, it was listed as a delicacy in the Osaka and Kyoto districts. Over time, Shoro mushrooms became harder to find as the coastal pine forests were destroyed due to urbanization. Today Shoro mushrooms are rare and challenging to find in the wild and local Japanese markets. The species was trialed for commercial cultivation in the 1990s in New Zealand and was successful in producing small quantities, but the mushrooms were not accepted in Japanese markets due to their foreign nature and different flavor. When in season, Shoro mushrooms can scarcely be found in local markets on the islands of Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku in Japan. They can also be found on seasonal menus of up-scale Japanese restaurants.
