Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are one of the most popular mushrooms worldwide.

They are fungi that grow naturally on decaying hardwood trees and are native to East Asia. Around 83% of shiitake are grown in Japan, although the United States, Canada, Singapore, and China also produce them. Long regarded as a medicinal mushroom in the natural healing community shiitake mushrooms are high in polysaccharide a super immune enhancing component, reported to help neutralize tumors, ameliorate cancer, AIDS, chronic fatigue, improve liver function, aid problems of obesity, lower blood pressure and control blood sugar levels. Medicinal mushrooms are considered the most intelligent adoptogenic herb/super-food on the planet. In cooking they are prized for their rich, savory taste and can be used fresh or dried.

Re-hydrating dried shiitake mushrooms for cooking is easy: Rinse off mushrooms well to remove dirt and grit. For best results cover mushrooms in a bowl of cold water (caps up) with a plate to keep mushrooms submerged in the water. Soak for 24 hours in the refrigerator. If you’re in a hurry you can cover the mushrooms in a bowl of boiling water. Cover with plastic wrap to stop heat escaping. Soak for 20 minutes. Soaking the mushrooms should almost double them in size. Drain off the water. Discard the stems – they're too tough to eat. Then prepare as directed and add to stir-fries, soups and curries.