Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are frequently considered medicinal. They are known to have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties and provide B-complex vitamins. These popular ’shrooms hail from Asia, but are commonly cultivated in the U.S. as they are a simpler mushroom to grow. Cultivated on soaked oak logs, farmers can harvest shiitakes for a few years depending on log size and formation. Because of their smoky, earthy flavor and chewy texture, shiitakes work well in recipes that call for ‘wild mushrooms.’ Boil with veggies to make a mushroom broth to use in ramen or other Asian soups; pickle; pan sear with garlic and bok choy and top a rice bowl.