Yutaka Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, 30 g

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The shiitake (alternate form shitake) ( / ʃ ɪ ˈ t ɑː k eɪ, ˌ ʃ iː ɪ-, - k i/; [1] Japanese: [ɕiꜜːtake] ⓘ Lentinula edodes) is an edible mushroom native to East Asia, which is cultivated and consumed around the globe. It is considered a medicinal mushroom in some forms of traditional medicine. [ citation needed] Taxonomy [ edit ] A good soak, as described here, should get most of the grime off, and rinsing will usually complete the job. My favorite part is how simple yet clever it is. Almost embarrassed not to have thought of it myself. Since discovering this method, I've rehydrated dried vegetables or brought raisins to life.

Some side effects are associated with shiitake mushrooms, including gastrointestinal distress, a worsening of autoimmune disease, sensitivity to the sun, and allergic reactions. These side effects are often when the mushrooms are consumed in large amounts but people with a sensitive stomach or multiple food allergies should eat these mushrooms with caution. Now you’ve chosen which dried mushrooms you’d like to cook with, the next thing you need to do is ensure that they are rehydrated. Stamets, P. (2000). Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms (3rded.). Berkeley, California: Ten Speed Press. p.260. ISBN 978-1-58008-175-7. Now you know how to select and rehydrate dried mushrooms, why not take a look at some recipes to give you some inspiration? Braised Bean Curd Skin With MushroomsThe earliest written record of shiitake cultivation is seen in the Records of Longquan County ( 龍泉縣志) compiled by He Zhan ( 何澹) in 1209 during the Song dynasty in China. [8] The 185-word description of shiitake cultivation from that literature was later cross-referenced many times and eventually adapted in a book by a Japanese horticulturist Satō Chūryō ( 佐藤中陵) in 1796, the first book on shiitake cultivation in Japan. [9] Foods such as tofu, which has a light flavor, can be especially tasty when combined with a dashi broth rich in umami from dried shiitake mushrooms, bonito flakes, and kombu (dried kelp). The abundance of umami ingredients makes the soup taste even more delicious. How to Dry Shiitake Mushrooms These mushrooms have a strong, earthy flavor and are often used as a meat substitute in vegan or vegetarian dishes.

Additionally, there are many different antioxidants present in shiitake mushrooms, along with vitamin C, which is well known for its effects on the immune system. More importantly, certain messaging molecules found in shiitake mushrooms can improve the efficacy of our immune system and speed up its response time to potentially harmful allergens and other substances. [10] Help in Growth and Repair Aside from nutritional profile, it’s thought that shiitake mushrooms could hold a whole host of benefits for your health too. However, it is important to note that research is still ongoing into shiitake mushrooms and how they may benefit your health. Dried shiitake mushrooms ( 干香菇, gan xiang gu) are made from smoked fresh shiitake mushrooms, and they have an intense smoky flavor and a meaty texture. Dried shiitake mushrooms are one of the most important ingredients in Chinese cooking, and are widely used in stews, soups, braised dishes, and stir fried dishes. They have a very concentrated flavor and most of the time cannot be replaced by fresh shiitake mushrooms. Prep dried shiitake mushrooms

Dried Shiitake Mushrooms in Chinese Cooking

Ko JA; Lee BH; Lee JS; Park HJ. (2008). "Effect of UV-B exposure on the concentration of vitamin D2 in sliced shiitake mushroom ( Lentinus edodes) and white button mushroom ( Agaricus bisporus)". J Agric Food Chem. 50 (10): 3671–3674. doi: 10.1021/jf073398s. PMID 18442245. The benefits of soaking dried shiitake mushrooms in cold water for a more extended period yield mushrooms that are flavorful, incredibly firm, and velvety in texture. When processing dried mushrooms, grit becomes an issue. There is nothing more gritty than dried mushrooms, and even a tiny bit of it can throw off a whole meal. During the sun-dried process of Shitake mushrooms, they undergo a chemical breakdown to create basic amino acids (such as glutamate), intensifying the umami flavor.

Another good reason for buying dried shiitake is that they last for many months, sometimes years! You can keep them in a dry, cool place either in an airtight container or sealed bag, and it will keep just as new. When purchasing shiitake mushrooms, look for ones that have firm caps with no signs of bruising or drying out. Shiitake Mushrooms Nutritional Value Shiitake means ‘oak’ in Japanese, is typically cultivated on logs or oak tree stumps, and has a brownish-gray cap with white gills.The process takes several hours, but there is no need for further preparation following refrigeration. Simply let them soak overnight. Most of us who are looking to reduce or eliminate meat in our diets find ourselves find ourselves cooking with mushrooms, and shiitake mushrooms are the finest! This popular vegan meat substitute has a meaty, woodsy flavor that makes them a great addition to ramen, stir fry, pasta and risotto recipes. Are Shiitake Mushrooms Healthy? Why do Asians love them so much and what do they taste like? Shiitake mushrooms have a hearty, umami flavor that is both earthy and slightly smoky. This process can be replicated at home quite easily, given a stretch of sunny days. Begin by removing the stems from the shiitake mushrooms. Place them in a colander or any perforated surface, positioning the underside of the umbrella upwards to maximize sun exposure. Use hands to gently wash the mushrooms with the re-hydrating water, to remove dirt entirely. Gently squeeze the extra water from the mushrooms.

When you rehydrate these mushrooms in water, they will remain fresh in the refrigerator for approximately 3 days. If you need to store them beyond this period, it’s best to freeze them. Dried shiitake mushrooms are used in Chinese cooking and other Asian cuisines to add an intense umami flavor and fragrance to soups, stews, stir-fries, braised dishes, and more. The soaking liquid can also be used to add a rich mushroom flavor to soups and sauces. With so many antioxidants, including phenolic compounds, diterpenoids, vitamin C, vitamin A, gallic acid, and others, shiitake mushrooms can significantly cut down on oxidative stress throughout the body. These active compoundsare known to seek out and neutralize free radicals before they can cause chronic disease, premature aging, and cognitive problems. Boost Immune System

They may last for a long time, but their potency can deteriorate. Rot and mold are common concerns when storing for an extended period. A dry and airtight environment is the best solution. The better the quality of the dried shiitakes, the better your chances of achieving that much-sought quality of umami. Hannah has long been a fan of Sugimoto dried shiitake mushrooms, and lately, I’ve become one, too. Research by the CSIRO Food and Nutritional Sciences, Victoria, Australia suggests that shiitake mushrooms have anti-tumor properties that help prevent the development of breast cancer. [7] That said, while isolated compounds show antimicrobial activity in test tubes, eating shiitake is unlikely to have any effect on viral, bacterial, or fungal infections in people. May strengthen your bones