Shiitake Mushrooms

Appearance: Tan to dark brown umbrella-shaped caps (5-10cm) with inrolled edges, cream gills, and curved fibrous stems.

Flavor & Aroma: Bold umami, smoky, earthy with garlic-like savoriness; intensifies when dried or cooked.

Culinary Use: Sauté sliced caps in butter/soy, simmer stems in stocks, add to ramen/pasta; stems tough but flavorful.

Growing Info: Cultivated on hardwood logs/sawdust in humid shade; second-most produced mushroom worldwide.