Shiitake

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) are edible mushrooms originating from East Asia, where they have been cultivated and prized for thousands of years. They are known for their rich, earthy flavour with prominent umami notes and a firm, meaty texture. In the kitchen, they are well suited to soups, sauces, stir-fries, pasta and rice dishes. Dried shiitake have a more intense aroma than fresh ones and should be soaked in water before use. the resulting liquid makes an excellent base for broths. They are a staple of Asian cuisine but are increasingly popular in European cooking as well. They are a good source of beta-glucans, B vitamins and minerals.