Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms having its scientific name as Lentinula edodes, is widely used as a food item and it is native to East Asia accordong to oxford dictionary this is properly pronounce as shiitake, which is originated from japaneese name of tree which is cultivated on dead logs. In chinese, it is called “Xianggu” which means fragrant mushrooms. Two high grades shiitake mushrooms are “donggu”which means winter mushroom and “huagu” which means flower mushroom as it has flowere-loike patterns on the mushroom

Shiitake mushroom was originated from China and Japan since prehistoric times. From last 1000 year shiitake mushrooms have been cultivated. First time it was cultivated in (960-1127 A.D.). Today shiitake mushrooms are widely produced and consumed through out the four directions of the world. Russia and canada are the biggest consumer of the shiitake mushrooms. As the industry of shiitake mushroom wides, this lead in reduction of shiitake mushrooms through out the world. The highest grade of growing shiitake mushroom in the Japan today is well-known as “donko”. This mushroom was originally harvested ona natural oaks log. It is harvested twice a year during spring and fall. Whereas man made log can produce these in seven weeks. This mushroom is second most widely cultivated mushroom of the world. Shiitake has medium size with white stem, brown cap, white underside and edges turned inward. Shiitake mushroom kit can easily be taken from the market which contains artifical log of shiitake mushroom through which you can easily harvest this in your courtyard. Shooping of shiitake mushroom need care as it ranges in different grades and prized differently. The cap may be thick or thin having cracks on the top. They thick fleshy shiitake mushroom ,donko types, are expensive, but worth the price. Dry shiitake mushroom are less costly and some time these dry mushrooms are grinded to form shiitake mushroom powder which is then used in many dishes giving taste and aroma of shiitake muhroom.

Shiitake mushrooms extract have immunological benefits as it contains anti-viral properties, the extratc is also used for the treatment of many alergies and arthritis.

Medical Benefits Of Shiitake Mushroom:

1. Studies have also identified the polysaccharide lentinan, a (1-3) β-D-glucan, as the active compound responsible for the anti-tumor effects, present in shiitake mushroom.
2. Lenthionine, a key flavour compound of shiitake, also inhibits platelet aggregation, so it is a promising treatment for thrombosis
3. Shiitake is also known as one of the popular natural source of vegan and kosher

Shiitake mushroom recipes are included in all French, chinese and italian cusinies. Cooking shiitake mushroom needs very carefull timings as extra cooking will not even destroy its taste but all essentials from it. Shiitake mushrooms recipes are included in all sort of dishes, like soup, baking, fries, gravy and many more.

Shiitake mushroom stir-fry recipe is mostly used by chinese in which mushroom with other vegetables and with boil chicken is stir-fry with seasoning of salt, black pepper, soya sauce and chinese salt. Some times cheese cubes or crush cheese is also included to give a more saltish flavor. Shiitake mushroom gravy recipe commonly uses chicken, port with vegetables. These gravies are used in daily households dishes. .

Organic shiitake mushroom is used to make shiitake mushroom tea which widely ranges in B vitamins, organic acids, nitrogen, minerals, vitamin C and enzymes. It enhances the vitality of a being, using it in its daily diet.