Shiitake, when translated from Japanese, refers to the shii tree on which these mushrooms originally grew, while také means mushroom. These mushrooms are more expensive than white button and cremini mushrooms , but their rich, earthy flavor and meaty texture make them worth the extra cost.
When I was reading we ran into the question “What is shiitake mushroom?”.
My favorite answer is shiitake is a medium-sized Japanese forest mushroom . Its cap can reach 15-20 cm in diameter, it is convex and semicircular in shape, fleshy and dense. In young fruiting bodies, the edges of the cap are even, in mature ones, they are thin and fibrous, slightly turned. From above, the cap is covered with a dry velvety skin with small white scales.
Shiitake mushrooms tend to be more expensive than button or oyster mushrooms. However their rich meat-like flavor is unrivaled. Shiitake mushrooms have large umbrella-shaped caps that are dark brown in color. Some may even look black in color.
Lentinus shiitake (J. Schröt.) Singer (1936) The mushroom’s Japanese name shiitake ( 椎茸) is composed of shii (椎, Castanopsis), for the tree Castanopsis cuspidata that provides the dead logs on which it is typically cultivated, and take (茸, “mushroom”). The specific epithet edodes is the Latin word for “edible”.
Black mushrooms, also called shiitake mushrooms, are a staple ingredient in Chinese cuisine. The name “black” is a bit of a misnomer since the mushrooms can be light or dark brown, and even gray when dried. They are also frequently speckled. They are sold fresh but are more commonly purchased dried.
One more inquiry we ran across in our research was “What are the benefits of shiitake mushrooms?”.
Shiitake mushrooms have powerful health benefits. Black mushrooms are high in protein and two B vitamins—B2, which helps maintain the body’s energy, and B12, which keeps cells and nerves healthy. Shiitakes also contain eritadenine, a chemical compound that lowers cholesterol levels.
So, why are shiitake mushrooms so popular in Europe?
This effect – presumably caused by the polysaccharide, lentinan – is more common in East Asia, but may be growing in occurrence in Europe as shiitake consumption increases . Thorough cooking may eliminate the allergenicity. There is research investigating the use of shiitake mushrooms in production of organic fertilizer and compost from hardwood.
What is the difference between Galerina mushrooms and shiitake mushrooms?
Their yellow-brown caps can appear similar to shii take mushrooms at some life stages. Although their cap tends to be a more orangish color whereas shiitake are more brown. Galerina mushrooms usually have a ring around the stem, but this can break down as the mushroom matures .
What is the difference between fresh and dried shiitake mushrooms?
For this reason, dried black mushrooms are preferred over fresh in Asian recipes. Dried mushrooms are more wrinkled than fresh with a harder texture, but once reconstituted, they take on a similar texture to fresh shiitakes. Shiitakes are divided into categories based on their quality.
What does shiitake stand for?
( Berk.) Pegler (1976) The shiitake ( / ʃɪˈtɑːkeɪ, ˌʃiːɪ -, – ki /; Japanese: [ɕiꜜːtake] ( listen) Lentinula edodes) is an edible mushroom native to East Asia, which is cultivated and consumed in many East Asian countries. It is considered a medicinal mushroom in some forms of traditional medicine.
The next thing we asked ourselves was: why is it called shiitake?
One source claimed here, shiitake gained the name that remains widely accepted today — shii for Castanopsis cuspidata, the hardwood tree species that the mushrooms commonly grow on, and take, the Japanese word for mushroom .
What does a Donko shiitake mushroom taste like?
The cracking on its cap resembles a flower-like pattern and they have thicker flesh than lesser quality mushrooms. A Donko shiitake has a large, thick, round cap . They have a strong meaty flavor and are quite chewy, but not considered to be as high-quality as the grades above.
Shiitake tastes good in any way — raw, fried, dried or grilled . Shiitake contains umami because of the amino acid glutamate. Dried shiitake is used in soups, sauces, mushroom salads, game fillings, meat rolls, pies, etc.