Shiitake mushrooms are a popular edible mushroom species in Asian cuisine. They have large, umbrella-shaped caps that are dark brown, sometimes even black in color. Their stems are much thinner and tougher than those of other mushrooms and are cream-colored. Shiitake mushrooms grow wild year-round in most parts of Southeast Asia, on the decaying wood of shii, oak, maple, beech, chestnut, poplar, mulberry, and several other species of deciduous trees. They have also been cultivated in China since the 1200s and are now grown all over the world, including in Europe and North America.
Cleaning Shiitake Mushrooms
When cleaning shiitake mushrooms, it is important not to immerse them in water as they will absorb the water and become spongy. Instead, wipe the hats with a damp paper towel or rinse them briefly under cold running water. The stems of shiitake mushrooms are very tough and chewy, so they are usually cut off and saved for making soup bases.
Shiitake in the wild
Shiitake mushrooms are not native to North America or Europe, so you won't find them growing wild in these regions. However, they are one of the most widely cultivated mushrooms in the world and can be found in supermarkets or grocery stores. They can also be grown on tree trunks, with holes drilled in the trunks and wooden dowels inoculated with shiitake spores placed in them. For those interested in growing shiitake mushrooms themselves, ToshiFarm offers a handy shiitake growing kit.
Common mistakes
A mushroom that can be mistaken for shiitake is the Galerina marginata, also known as the deadly galerina or funnel mushroom. This mushroom is highly poisonous and should be avoided. It has a yellow-brown cap that can look similar to shiitake mushrooms at some life stages. The most reliable way to distinguish a shiitake mushroom from a galerina is to take a spore print. Galerina mushrooms always produce a rusty brown spore print, while shiitake spore prints are white.
Conclusion
Identifying shiitake mushrooms requires attention to detail and knowledge of their unique characteristics. Although not native to North America or Europe, shiitake mushrooms are readily available in stores or can be grown at home with the right supplies. For those interested in growing their own shiitake mushrooms, ToshiFarm also offers a 60cm shiitake oak growing log, perfect for starting your own mushroom adventure.
Do you want to know more about growing mushrooms or are you looking for high-quality growing kits? Then visit ToshiFarm for more information and products.