A brown mushroom which grows upon decaying oak logs. It has demonstrated powerful anti-microbial and anti-tumor components. Used mainly in its dried form in macrobiotic cooking, it is most effective when sparingly incorporated. Shiitake can also be used in medicinal drinks.

A strongly flavoured mushroom with a darkish brown cap and white stem. Available dried or fresh.

Lentinus edodes, the Golden Oak Mushroom, is now being cultivated in this country. It is also available dried. Its flavor is exceptional.

Also called Chinese, black or oriental mushroom (in its dried form). Shiitake is a strongly flavored mushroom used in both its fresh and dried form. Back to the top

(she-TAHK-ee) mushrooms taste almost like steak. They are sometimes called forest mushrooms or Chinese black mushrooms. To use dried ones, cut off the tough stems, rehydrate the caps in hot water, and chop. Look for them in produce or ethnic food sections of supermarkets and in Asian groceries.

edible east Asian mushroom having a golden or dark brown to blackish cap and an inedible stipe

A fungus that grows on the trunks of dead trees. Shiitake mushrooms are often found in Chinese cuisine. The mushroom may have some beneficial effects against cancer.

A dark brown mushroom with a large cap and meaty flavor. See: About Shiitake Mushrooms

Pronounced "shi-ta-key". A mushroom, used fresh or dried. Imported from Japan.

Large flavorful mushrooms which can be purchased dried or fresh. Dried shiitake are used in soups as the flavor is very full-bodied.

Bold and meaty, these are called "black mushrooms" on Chinese menus.

these dried mushrooms are rehydrated in hot water and seasoned in stock before use. They can be found in any Asian market. You'll likely find a wide range in prices for them – the large ones, sometimes labeled "premium", will be very, very pricey … the smaller (cheaper) ones will do just fine.

is a mushroom used dried or fresh to flavor soup stocks or vegetable dishes. Dried shiitake mushrooms are often used in medicinal preparations.

The best domesticate mushroom, with a rich, distinctive, smoky flavor. Do not eat the stem but save it for stocks. Can be found in most Oriental markets dried. Also found fresh or dried in some larger supermarkets.

The shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is an edible mushroom native to East Asia. It is generally known in the English-speaking world by its Japanese name, shiitake (kanji: ; lit. "shii mushroom," from the Japanese name of the tree that provides the dead logs on which it is typically cultivated).