Shiitake mushroom is an edible mushroom native to East Asia. It is a type of Chinese mushroom and is heavily consumed in China. They are not just consumed as a delicacy, they are also considered a medicinal mushroom in some forms of traditional medicine.
Usage
In Chinese cuisine, they are often sauteed in vegetarian dishes and in Japan, they are served in miso soup.
They can either be consumed fresh or dried and preserved. Many people prefer dried shiitake to fresh, considering that the sun-drying process draws out the umami flavour that is present in MSG. The stems of shiitake are not used as they are hard and take time to cook.
Nutritious Value
1.Very rich in Vitamin B3, B5, B6, B2 that are helpful in easing stress,treating anxiety and depression,aid memory,reduce the risk of heart diseases.
2. Shiitake mushrooms are extremely good for a healthy immune system because of the presence of polysaccharides.
3.It is also rich in manganese and phosphorous that combine with calcium and help keep the bones healthy.
4.Being rich in fiber they help lower cholesterol and may reduce the risk of certain cancers, especially colon cancer.
5.They have a very low calorie content.
Did you know?
Shiitake are native to Japan, China and Korea and have been grown in all three countries since prehistoric times. They have been cultivated for over 1,000 years.