14 5 / 2012
Thank you Raja. I honestly couldn’t figure out to express my feelings today.
<3 Raja!!!
14 5 / 2012
S H I I T A K E M U S H R O O M
The Shiitake is an edible mushroom native to East Asia, where it is commonly cultivated and consumed in many Asian cuisines including Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Thai.
Mushrooms are edible fungi and most that are sold in markets are produced on farms. It is recommended that only people trained in mushroom identification gather them in the wild.
H E A L T H B E N E F I T S
Shiitake mushrooms have been researched for their medicinal benefits, most notably their anti-tumor properties in laboratory mice. Extracts from Shiitake mushrooms have also been researched for their anti-viral properties and as a possible treatment for severe allergies and arthritis. Lenthionine, a key flavor compound of Shiitake, inhibits platelet aggregation, so it is a promising treatment for people who have problems with blood clots.
H I S T O R Y
Shiitake are native to China but have been grown in both Japan and China since prehistoric times. They have been cultivated for over 1000 years; the first written record of Shiitake cultivation can be traced to around 1000AD.
In general, mushrooms have been used by man for both food and medicine for many thousands of years, the first written records coming from China around 3000BC.
S E L E C T I O N & S T O R I N G
When selecting Shiitake mushrooms in the market, look for firm caps, avoiding ones that are cracked. To store, wrap the mushrooms in a paper towel and store them in the fridge and they will keep for several days.
P R E P T I P S
Shiitake mushrooms are commonly used in asian dishes, including stir frys and soups. They can be braised, sautéed, grilled or roasted. The stems are useful for making flavorful vegetable stock for soups.
R E C I P E S
Hearty Shiitake Mushroom and Miso Soup • Fettuccine with Shiitake Mushrooms & Basil • Exotic Mushroom and Walnut Pate • The Best Thai Coconut Soup • Shiitake Mushrooms with Young Pecorino Cheese • Fettuccine with Shiitake Mushroom Sauce • Potato and Shiitake Mushroom Gratin • Barley with Shiitake Mushrooms • Shiitake-Crusted Chicken with Creamed Mushrooms • Risotto with Leeks, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Truffles • Lamb and Shiitake Mushroom Stir-Fry
A D D I T I O N A L I N F O
Shiitake Mushroom on Wikipedia • Mushroom on Wikipedia • Shiitake Mushroom Nutrition Info
