Description
Shiitake mushrooms from The Mushrooms Hub are grown organically (without the use of chemicals) and are often consumed as a main ingredient in various kinds of dishes like stir-fried vegetables, noodles, egg-based dishes, soups, and many others.
The word “shiitake” is derived from the Japanese words “shii,” the oak-like tree where these mushrooms first grew, and “také,” which simply means mushroom; hence, it literally means “mushrooms of the shii tree.”
Not only are shiitakes valued for their primordial origin, but also for their various health-boosting properties that have been discovered over centuries of ancient medicine.
Having no roots, leaves, flowers, or seeds, shiitake mushrooms are fungi. Famous for their meaty texture and earthy, smoky flavor, they’re the second most commonly cultivated edible mushrooms, readily available worldwide.
Shiitake mushrooms are said to have more than 10 times the flavor of white button mushrooms. The taste can intensify when they’re dried and reconstituted by soaking in water. Sautéing them lightly is the best way to maintain their taste and nutritional profile.
Nutritional value:
Shiitake mushrooms are biologically different from the plant- and animal-derived foods, so it’s no surprise that they have a unique nutritional profile. They’re a good source of copper, one of the few metallic elements essential for maintaining normal metabolic processes and a healthy cardiovascular system.
They’re also rich in pantothenic acid and selenium, providing 21 milligrams (mg) and 46 micrograms (mcg), respectively. Pantothenic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin that plays a role in the synthesis of coenzyme A and acyl carrier protein, both of which are necessary for fatty acid synthesis and degradation. Selenium, on the other hand, is an essential trace mineral that has antioxidant properties.
Shiitake mushrooms also contain riboflavin, niacin, zinc, and manganese21 which contribute to their antioxidant properties. They also contain ergothioneine, a bioactive compound that provides potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties, as well as lentinan, a compound that may help fight against bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections.
Shelf Life: Dried Shiitake Mushrooms have a shelf life of up to a year and can be used as a replacement for fresh mushrooms in most recipes.
There are no reviews yet.