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	Search Quick Order Form» Departments Vitamins Minerals Supplements Herbs Home & Grocery Diet & Fitness Body & Bath More Ways to Shop Brands A-Z Natural Remedies Children & Infants Women's Health Men's Health Seniors Free Catalog MotherNature.com's Catalog Is Here! Click Here to Get Your Free Copy Today. Newsletter Sign Up Weekly health news, sale announcements and coupons!		Library Home > Food Guide > Shiitake Mushroom SHIITAKE MUSHROOM Introduction Buying and storing Preparation tips Nutritional highlights Health benefits and concerns References Visit The Healthy Living Bookshelf: 21 Online Health Books From Rodale The shiitake mushroom is considered the finest edible mushroom in Asia. The shiitake mushroom, also known as the golden oak mushroom, the black forest mushroom, and the oakwood mushroom, is considered to be the finest edible mushroom in Asia, where it has been used for over 2,000 years. Shiitake mushrooms are cultivated on logs, dead tree trunks, and sawdust. Shiitakes range in color from tan to dark brown, and have broad, umbrella-shaped caps, wide-open veils, and tan gills. Shiitake caps have a soft, spongy texture. When cooked, these mushrooms have a rich, smoky flavor and a meat-like texture. Varieties Shiitake mushroom are sold fresh and dried. Buying and storing tips When buying fresh shiitake mushrooms, choose mushrooms with firm, spongy caps and small stems. Fresh shiitake mushrooms keep for up to 14 days when stored in the refrigerator in a paper bag. Store dried shiitakes in a cool, dry place. Availability Shiitake are available year-round in many grocery stores and in Asian markets. Preparation, uses, and tips Before using fresh shiitakes, tear off the fibrous stems, and clean the mushrooms carefully with a damp cloth or paper towel. The mushrooms can also be rinsed briefly, but do not allow them to soak as they will swell with water. Dried shiitakes should be reconstituted in warm water for approximately one hour. Once they are reconstituted, chop off the stems. Use the soaking water and stems to make soup stock. Cooking brings out the distinct flavor of shiitakes. Sauté or fry them in oil for 5 to 7 minutes; or cook them with a small amount of liquid in a tightly covered pan for 15 minutes. Once cooked, add them to a pasta recipe, rice dish, soup, sauce, or stir-fry. Nutritional Highlights Shiitake mushroom, 4 mushrooms (cooked) Calories: 40 Protein: 1.12g Carbohydrate: 10.3g Total Fat: 0.16g Fiber: 1.5g *Excellent source of: Selenium (17.8mcg) *Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value, based upon United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the USDA Recommended Daily Value. Nutritional information and daily nutritional guidelines may vary in different countries. Please consult the appropriate organization in your country for specific nutritional values and the recommended daily guidelines. Health benefits and concerns Health benefits and concerns for vegetables Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other vegetables. Read about health benefits and concerns for vegetables for a full description.

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