Selection and storage
Fresh as well as dried shiitake can be readily available in supermarkets around the year. Shiitake can be easily identified by its large, brown caps with thick woody stems.
Choose uniform, well-formed, firm mushrooms featuring small stems. Avoid large, opened-up caps and tough stem mushrooms as they pass their prime.
Once at home, use them early. Shiitake mushrooms are a little less fragile than other mushrooms. To store, place them inside a paper bag and keep them in the refrigerator where they stay fresh for up to 7- 10 days. Store dried shiitakes in a cold, dry, and dehumidified place.
Preparation and serving methods
Clean, fresh shiitake mushrooms with a cloth or damp paper towel. In general, you don’t need them to wash in water. If at all give them a wash, and hold them briefly under running water. Do not let them soak and dry immediately. Trim the tough, fibrous stalks using a paring knife. Do not discard but use these stems to make stock.
Dried shiitakes should be soaked in water and revitalized before adding to cooking. Soak them in either hot or cold water until rehydrated. Do not discard the soaking liquid as is very flavorful and use it to prepare stock, or add in soups, sauces, stews, and stir-fries.
The smoky, earthy flavor and meaty, chewy texture of shiitake make them one of the most sought-after kinds of mushrooms worldwide. They can be used in the same way as any other mushroom. They absorb the flavor of the dishes.
Here are some serving tips:
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Fresh shiitake are delicious sauteed, stir-fried, marinated and grilled, or braised.
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Shiitake is delicious in soups, sauces, pasta dishes, rice (caramelized shiitake risotto), stews, and stir-fried dishes.
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Broad shiitake can be employed in the stuffing.
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Fine sliced, diced shiitake is a common featuring ingredients in pizza, pasta, pastry, and potpie preparations.
They also complement well with seafood, lamb, and poultry in a variety of mouth-watering recipes.
Safety profile
Allergic reactions to the consumption of shiitake mushrooms are not common. Some sensitized persons who actively take part in the cultivation may develop allergic contact dermatitis to shiitake.(Medical disclaimer).
You may also like to read:-
≺≺ Back to Mushrooms from Shiitake mushroom nutrition. Visit here for an impressive list of edile mushrooms with complete illustrations of their nutrition facts and
health benefits.
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Further reading and Resources:
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Stanford School of Medicine Cancer information Page- Nutrition to Reduce Cancer Risk. (Link opens in new window).
