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Shiitake Mushrooms: What Are They?
Shiitake mushrooms are a type of mushroom widely used in Asian cuisine. If you're a fan of Japanese restaurants, you've probably already tried them, even if you haven't realized it.
They're a highly prized ingredient because they have a concentrated, highly umami flavor, especially when used dried.
It's essential that you understand that when we talk about shiitake mushrooms, we're talking about umami, that recently discovered fifth flavor that makes you salivate and want to eat more and more.
But what exactly are shiitake mushrooms? And where can you find them? We'll tell you everything you need to know about this mushroom.
Where do shiitake mushrooms come from?
Shiitake mushrooms, whose scientific name is Lentinula edodes, are a type of edible mushroom native to Asia, specifically countries like China, Japan, and Korea.
For centuries, these mushrooms have been valued for their intense umami flavor, as well as their medicinal properties.
Their appearance is quite distinctive: they have a dark or light brown cap, with a surface that may be slightly wrinkled or scaly.
The cap is typically between 5 and 10 centimeters in diameter, and its underside is covered with white or creamy gills that become darker as the mushroom matures.
The stem, in comparison, is thicker and firmer, although in many preparations it is trimmed to improve texture and presentation.
Shiitake mushrooms have an earthy, smoky, and slightly sweet aroma, making them ideal for adding depth to soups, stews, stir-fries, and other dishes. Plus, their umami flavor makes them a star ingredient in many recipes, as they're used to give that extra touch to the dish that makes it so you can't stop eating it.
What is umami?
Umami is one of the five basic flavors our sense of taste can detect, along with sweet, salty, sour, and bitter.
The word "umami" comes from Japanese and means something like "savory" or "delicious". It's a flavor described as deep, savory, meaty, or with a feeling of fullness in the mouth.
This particular flavor is found in foods rich in amino acids, especially glutamate, which is a naturally occurring compound found in many ingredients. Some examples of umami foods include ripe tomatoes, aged cheese, cured meats, fish, seaweed, and, of course, shiitake mushrooms, which we're discussing today.
Umami is highly valued in cooking because it helps enhance and balance the flavors of dishes, giving them a sense of richness and depth. This is why many recipes, especially in Asian cuisine, use umami-rich ingredients to enhance the final flavor.
Health benefits of shiitake mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are known for their medicinal properties.
They are rich in B vitamins, vitamin D, minerals such as selenium, zinc, and copper, and contain bioactive compounds such as lentinans and eritadenines.
These components have been studied for their potential immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects.
It has been suggested that regular consumption of shiitake mushrooms may help strengthen the immune system, lower cholesterol, improve cardiovascular health, and have anti-inflammatory effects.
However, it is always advisable to consume them as part of a balanced diet and consult a healthcare professional if you have specific conditions.
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Where to find them?
Now that you know what they are and why they're so valuable, you might be wondering: where can I get shiitake mushrooms?
The good news is that these days, these mushrooms are easily found in Asian supermarkets, as well as in larger international supermarkets.
If, on the other hand, you want to find them yourself in the wild, it can be a bit tricky, as they're usually grown in controlled environments, such as on logs in orchards or farms.
However, in the wild, shiitake mushrooms grow in hardwood forests, especially on decaying or damaged oak, holm oak, or beech trees.
If you want to look for them, we recommend exploring hardwood forests and looking on the undersides of logs or fallen branches, where they often grow.
How can I use them?
You can use shiitake mushrooms in a variety of ways for your recipes. We recommend:
- Fresh mushrooms: You can use them in stir-fries, soups, risottos, or simply sauté them with garlic and oil to accompany meats or vegetables. Their intense umami flavor pairs well with almost anything.
- Dried mushrooms: Before using them, soak them in warm water for about 20-30 minutes to rehydrate them. The soaking water can be strained and used as broth for soups or stews. Using them dried is the best option to concentrate their full flavor.
- Powdered mushrooms: You can grind dried shiitake mushrooms into a fine powder and use them as a flavoring in soups, sauces, stews, or even marinades. This is an excellent way to enhance the umami flavor in your recipes.
- Canned or preserved mushrooms: Ideal for adding to salads, pizzas, pasta, or as a side dish in various dishes without any additional preparation.
