Shiitake Mushrooms – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What are shiitake mushrooms?

Shiitake mushrooms are a type of edible mushrooms with a meaty flavor. Native to East Asia, the shiitake mushroom is also known by other names such as:

• Shiang-gu
• Huagu
• Forest mushroom
• Oak mushroom
• Black mushroom
• Lentin des chênes
• Black forest mushroom

These umbrella-shaped mushrooms have wide caps, about 2 to 4in, ranging from light brown to dark brown. While the caps are firm and chewy, the stems—although flavorful—are often discarded before cooking, as they are quite fibrous.

These mushrooms are only 75% water which is lower than the water content in other mushrooms, giving them an intense flavor and a firm, chewy texture.

Shiitake mushrooms, like all other mushrooms, are fungus. They naturally grow on decaying hardwood trees.

They have been used in Asian cooking for thousands of years and are popular even now in a range of recipes such as soups, stir-fries, meat dishes, risotto, and sauces. Shiitake mushrooms are also a great meat substitute.

Where did shiitake mushrooms originate from?

Shiitake combines two Japanese words: “shii,” which is the trees where these mushrooms grow, and “take,” which means mushrooms.

These mushrooms grow on fallen logs and are native to the mountain regions of Japan, China, and Korea. But the origin of shiitake mushrooms seems to go as far back as the Cretaceous period, over 100 million years ago.

People in China were the first to cultivate shiitake mushrooms 600 years ago. In China, these mushrooms are known as “dongo” or “shanku.”

New cultivation methods in Japan at that time led to a successful shiitake mushroom industry, largely controlled by samurai warriors for the Japanese aristocracy. Here, these mushrooms gained the name that they are now popularly known as all over the world—shiitake mushrooms.

What are the benefits of eating shiitake mushrooms?

Modern research shows that shiitake mushrooms contain 3 compounds—eritadenine, sterols, and beta-glucans—which support heart health.

Shiitake mushrooms also contain an extensively researched polysaccharide called lentinan that can increase the production of white blood cells that fight invading microbes.

What is the nutritional value of shiitake mushrooms?

Shiitake mushrooms are low in calories and are 30% fiber, which increases satiety. For those on a vegetarian diet, shiitake mushrooms are a substantial source of protein.

Shiitake mushrooms are packed with high amounts of copper, a mineral that supports bone health and provides immune support. Mushrooms, including shiitake mushrooms, are also the only plant source of vitamin D, which is vital for healthy bones.

Shiitake mushrooms contain many beneficial vitamins and minerals:

• Vitamin B6
• Folate
• Potassium
• Manganese
• Magnesium
• Zinc
• Iron
• Selenium
• Thiamin
• Riboflavin
• Niacin
• Phosphorus

How are shiitake mushrooms grown?

Shiitake mushroom is the second most cultivated mushroom in the world.

Commercially, they are grown on compressed blocks of aged oak, hardwood chips, or sawdust. These growing mediums are wrapped in plastic bags in which the shitake spawn (living fungal culture) is introduced.

In about 4 to 8 weeks, the spawn will permeate the growing medium with thread-like structures called mycelium. The bags are then immersed in water for 24 to 72 hours to induce the mycelium into producing tiny clumps that ultimately turn into mushrooms.

Once the bags are removed from the water, they can grow in an environment with natural light and air temperature maintained at 59–68°F. The mushrooms are harvested after 7 to 14 days.

Shiitake mushrooms are grown commercially in Japan, China, United States, Korea, and Brazil, with 70% to 90% of the shiitake produced in China.

When are shiitake mushrooms in season?

Although shitake mushrooms will be available throughout the year in the stores, they usually come into season between fall and winter when the temperatures are lower, and there is more humidity in the atmosphere.

Some varieties of shiitake can be forced to produce throughout the warmer months, too.

What should you look for when buying shiitake mushrooms?

Shiitake mushrooms are available in the supermarket’s fresh produce section and can be bought whole or sliced.

When buying shiitake, look for thick curled domed caps that have pale white dusty spots on them. This is a sign of freshness. Make sure the mushrooms are firm and springy.

Dried shiitake mushrooms are also found in the produce section. Look for fresh-looking, thick caps.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for shiitake mushrooms via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop fresh shiitake mushrooms for your next meal now.

How to store shiitake mushrooms

Wrap shiitake mushrooms in a damp kitchen towel and store them in the fridge. Alternatively, you can store them in a cloth bag or a loosely sealed paper bag. The mushrooms will last for 3 to 5 days in the fridge.

Do not put them in a plastic container, as they will rot. It’s also not advisable to wash shiitake mushrooms before storing them. If you need to clean them, give them a quick rinse just before cooking, or better, use a damp cloth to wipe them.

How to tell if shiitake mushrooms are bad

Shiitake mushrooms can go bad quickly, so it’s important to check them before cooking. Throw the mushrooms if they are slimy or the underside of the caps are darker than when you bought them.

If you notice any brown or dark spots, then it means the mushrooms are decaying. Once the caps and stems begin to shrivel with the appearance of wrinkles, then it’s a good sign that the shiitake mushrooms have gone bad.

What can you substitute for shiitake mushrooms?

If you can’t find any fresh shiitake mushrooms, then substitute with these mushrooms:

• Dried shiitake
• Portobello mushrooms
• Porcini mushrooms
• Crimini mushrooms
• Oyster mushrooms

Cook with shiitake mushrooms today

Now that you know all about the many health benefits of shiitake mushrooms and how to buy them, you can start using them in various recipes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Saute some shiitake with your greens, serve it up with an omelet, or add it to your soups. Whatever you make will be full of the many nutrients found in these mushrooms.

So why not start creating delicious meals with shiitake mushrooms today? Buy fresh shiitake mushrooms using Instacart today.

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