Description

Organic Dried Shiitake Mushrooms are one of the most flavorful cultivated mushrooms available and have been described as having umami. Translated literally, umami means deliciousness.  More accurately described, umami is that unknown 5th flavor- not sweet, sour salty, bitter, or salty. This is a perfect description for shiitake- simply “deliciousness.” They’re most commonly used in Chinese, Japanese, and Asian-Fusion dishes. The dried version of these mushrooms serves two purposes. Firstly, reconstituting organic dried shiitake mushrooms turns the soaking water into an intensely flavorful broth that can be a wonderful addition to soup bases, or used as a sauce for fish, poultry or meat dishes. Secondly, you can use the reconstituted mushrooms as you would fresh shiitake- sauted, in stir fries, over steaks, on burgers and more. Even if you prefer the fresh shiitake mushrooms, keeping a supply of dried shiitake is both smart and extremely economical. It takes just over 2 pounds of fresh mushrooms to create just 4 ounces of dried mushrooms. Once you reconstitute your dried shiitake, you’ll have the same amount for a third of the price. Plus, the small, lightweight packages can be kept in your pantry or cupboard until you’re ready to use them.

Fresh organic shiitake mushrooms are also available.

Other Names: Sawtooth oak mushroom, oakwood mushroom, black forest mushroom, black mushroom, golden oak mushroom

Season: Year-round

Origin: Yamhill, Oregon, USA

Shelf Life: Dried shiitake mushrooms will retain their flavor and texture for at least a year.

Nutritional Facts: 100 grams of cooked mushrooms contain only 60 calories, 14 grams of carbs and no fat or cholesterol. But what’s even better than what they don’t contain is what they do have inside of them. Shiitake mushrooms are full of copper (45% RDA*), selenium (35% RDA), Vitamin B5 (35% RDA), Vitamin D (25% RDA), and zinc (15% RDA), as well as smaller amounts of other vitamins and minerals. These things work together to give you stronger bones, a powerful thyroid and immune system, and more energy.

Tips: Shitakes are particularly meaty and work well in stir-fries, soups, rice salads and side dishes.  Dried shiitakes are usually either rehydrated in hot water for up to an hour before use or simmered in soups or stews until tender. Pair shiitake mushrooms and shiitake mushroom broth with ingredients like seafood, garlic, lemon zest & juice, yuzu juice, chile peppers, wild ramps, daikon radish, tofu, light & dark miso, chicken, pork and green vegetables (broccoli, spinach, asparagus, or fiddlehead ferns).