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If you’ve recently had a steaming bowl of sukiyaki or you’re a meal-planning vegan, chances are you’ve recently enjoyed one of the most well-known mushrooms in the culinary world – shiitake.
There are many ways to cook shiitake mushrooms as these juicy and chewy delights offer a deep, earthy, and robust flavor to dishes they’re added to. Did we mention that they also carry a plethora of health benefits? No wonder they’re a mainstay on many menus.
Now is a good time to consciously consider which pack of dried shiitake mushrooms you regularly buy from the grocery store. In this article, we will be discussing:
What are the health benefits of shiitake mushrooms?
How to cook shiitake mushrooms? - Sautéed Shiitake Mushrooms Recipe
How to dry shiitake mushrooms?
Can you eat raw shiitake mushrooms?
How long do shiitake mushrooms last in the fridge?
How to tell if shiitake mushrooms are bad?
Can dogs/cats eat shiitake mushrooms?
There’s no denying that mushrooms have a lot of health benefits to the point that they’re considered medicinal.
Eating mushrooms is good for the brain and shiitake mushrooms, specifically, help reduce cholesterol which lowers the risk of cardiovascular issues.
Another benefit of shiitake mushrooms is its innate ability to fight cancer. Since they contain lentinan, this edible fungi can assist your immune system in going head-to-head against tumors. The above-mentioned lentinan is also said to inhibit the growth of leukemia cells, so much so that injectable lentinan is used together with chemotherapy in people with gastric cancer in China and Japan.
Shiitake mushrooms contain vitamin D, niacin, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, folate, zinc, selenium, manganese, and many more. They’re also low in calories and can safely be consumed in moderation.
Making sautéed shiitake mushrooms is super easy and they make a delicious side dish or topping. Here’s a simple three-step guide for you to follow:
Fresh shiitake mushrooms (8-10 ounces)
Olive oil or butter (2 tablespoons)
Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme (optional)
Lemon juice (optional for a bit of tang)
Trim the stems and slice the mushrooms into even pieces.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the olive oil or butter to the pan and let it heat up until it's shimmering or melted and slightly foamy.
Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms to the pan in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure they cook evenly.
Cook the mushrooms for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and have released their moisture.
Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
If you like, add a splash of lemon juice and some freshly chopped herbs for extra flavor.
Give everything a final stir and cook for another minute.
Drying shiitake mushrooms is a great way to preserve them for long-term storage. Here are some simple methods to dry shiitake mushrooms at home:
This is probably the easiest way to do it. To dry shiitake mushrooms using a dehydrator, start by cleaning and slicing the mushrooms into thin, even pieces. Lay the mushroom slices out in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they do not overlap to allow proper air circulation.
Use a low heat setting (60°C or less) for around eight to 10 hours to avoid damaging the mushrooms. Make sure to check them periodically and rotate the trays if necessary to ensure even drying.
If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can use an oven. Cut the mushrooms in half and slide them into the oven at low heat, similar to how you’d set a dehydrator (60°C or less) for around an hour each side. It’s important to keep the oven door ajar to allow moisture to escape.
If you decide to use either a dehydrator or an oven, once they’re done, allow your mushrooms to rest afterwards before storing. Opt for an airtight container such as a mason jar over a resealable plastic bag, and make sure to keep them in a dark, dry place.
Drying shiitake mushrooms under the sun is another simple and natural method to preserve them.
Put the mushrooms on clean flat trays or containers (you can cut them into smaller, more manageable pieces if you want) and place the containers in a tidy, open area where they can get enough sunlight and are relatively safe from the elements.
It’s best to dry shiitake mushrooms during warmer seasons such as summer and spring, from late morning until early afternoon. Before sunset, make sure to cover your mushrooms with cheesecloth and transfer them in a place where fog and dew won’t reach them.
Before you even consider sun-drying your mushrooms, however, you’ll have to make sure that your area doesn’t have high humidity. Otherwise, your mushrooms won’t dry.
It’s not the best idea to eat raw shiitake mushrooms, as it may lead to an allergic reaction known as "Shiitake Dermatitis",which can cause itchy, red rashes to appear all over your body and face.
This allergic reaction is triggered by a compound in shiitake mushrooms called lentinan. The good news is that lentinan can be easily broken down by simply cooking the shiitake. So as long as you consume your shiitake mushrooms cooked, there’s very little chance of this kind of reaction.
Shiitake mushrooms can last about 7 to 14 days in the fridge if stored properly. Here are some tips to help them stay fresh longer:
Storage: Keep shiitake mushrooms in their original packaging or place them in a paper bag. Avoid storing them in plastic bags, as this can trap moisture and cause them to spoil faster.
Temperature: Store them in the refrigerator at a temperature between 1°C and 4°C (34°F to 40°F).
Avoid Washing Before Storage: Do not wash the mushrooms before storing them. Wash them right before use to prevent excess moisture from accelerating spoilage.
To tell if shiitake mushrooms have gone bad, there are a few things you can check.
Fresh shiitake mushrooms should feel firm and slightly springy. If they’re slimy or sticky, they’re probably spoiled. Also, If you see dark spots, black spots, or if their color has faded a lot, it's a sign they're decaying. Wrinkled or shriveled mushrooms have lost moisture and are past their prime.
Smell is another good indicator. If they started to smell sour, fishy, or just off, they're likely spoiled. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to get rid of the mushrooms to avoid any risk of food poisoning.
Dogs and cats can eat shiitake mushrooms, in small, cooked amounts, shiitake mushrooms can be a healthy addition to your dog or cat's diet.
However, there are some important things to keep in mind, always consult your vet before introducing any new food, and avoid feeding them raw shiitake mushrooms to prevent potential health issues.
If you’ve gotten to the end of this article, congratulations on taking this step to healthier living! Having shiitake mushrooms as a part of your diet is a great way to keep your meals delicious and your mood up. Shiitake mushrooms are an amazing addition to any dish that calls for a smoky, earthy, and robust taste, but did you know that they can also be great, healthy snacks?
Shiitake mushrooms have loads of umami, which is probably why they make for great snacks when you’re craving something savory. Ever tried shiitake mushroom chips yet? The Daily Good is coming your way and we’ve got them in Original, as well as different flavors like Mexican Chili and Wasabi. These crunchy delicious treats are baked (not fried), and are low in calories and carbs.
Better yet, don’t miss out on a single morsel by ordering all three flavors in one convenient pack here.
