Shiitake Mushrooms
A mushroom with a rich aroma and umami that is used in a variety of dishes
What are shiitake mushrooms?
Shiitake mushrooms (しいたけ in Japanese) grow on broadleaf trees such as oak trees, and most of the shiitake mushrooms currently sold in Japan are artificially cultivated, through ways such as "logwood cultivation" or "mushroom culture bed cultivation." The mushrooms have a good aroma and a unique umami. Shiitake mushrooms are used in a variety of dishes, such as simply grilling them as-is and pouring soy sauce over top, as well as in stir-fries, tempura, soups, and rice dishes.
Storage to prevent food loss
Shiitake mushrooms can be kept in the refrigerator for about a week if wrapped in paper towels with the stem facing up and then placed in a plastic bag. They can be dried with paper towels, placed in a plastic bag, and stored in the freezer for up to a month.
Trivia
Shiitake mushrooms harvested before their caps have fully opened are called "donko," and are valued for their round shape and thick texture.
Cooking Basics
The hard base, called "ishizuki" in Japanese, is the blackish tip at the end of the stem. Use a knife to cut or scrape off this portion.
The stem can be easily removed by folding it over and pulling it off at the base, where it is attached to the cap. You can also cut it off from under the cap with a knife.
Related Recipes
15min
112kcal
200mg
- 20min
- 206kcal
- 800mg
