Often considered a humble mushroom, shiitakes are anything but boring. While they are extremely versatile and can be used in many dishes, shiitakes still have a flavor all their own. Here’s what you should know about this popular gourmet mushroom variety.
What Makes Shiitakes Unique?
Shiitake mushrooms are native to East Asia and have been consumed for centuries. Now this dense brown mushroom is enjoyed all over the world in a variety of dishes. In fact, Shiitake mushrooms contribute about 25% of the world’s yearly production of mushrooms!
There are many reasons to love shiitakes, from their health-boosting nutrients to their delicious flavor. Shiitake is one of the most widely known medicinal mushrooms. People use these mushrooms to address many health concerns, ranging from high blood cholesterol to cancer.
Shiitake mushrooms are chock-full of nutrients that stimulate the immune system and protect us from viruses. They provide high amounts of fiber as well as B vitamins and other minerals. They also contain many of the same amino acids as meat, which makes them a nutritious addition to a balanced vegetarian diet. Scientists and doctors continue to explore the benefits of adding shiitakes to our diets, and there is much left to be discovered!
Aside from being low-calorie, shiitake mushrooms provide high amounts of fiber, B vitamins, and many minerals. They also contain many of the same amino acids as meat; this makes them a nutritious addition to a balanced vegetarian diet.
Why We Love Eating Shiitakes
These mushrooms are versatile and widely appealing, but don’t be fooled into thinking their flavor isn’t unique! It’s a not-overpowering umami flavor that goes well with many different dishes. Shiitakes are commonly utilized in stir-frys, soups, and noodle dishes, but this variety is well suited to nearly any type of cuisine. Shiitakes are also an excellent meat substitute for vegetarians. You can chop up the mushrooms and sauté them in butter, throw them straight into your favorite dish as it’s cooking, or crisp the caps up whole for a delicious snack!
Their appearance is also unique; shiitakes have a flatter cap than most other grocery store varieties, and they aren’t always perfectly round. One package of R&R Cultivation’s shiitakes will display many different shapes and sizes, but they’re all equally delicious. Our gourmet, organic shiitakes are fun for us to grow, and they’ll be a fun addition to your meal!
