Also indexed as: Black Forest Mushrooms, Oakwood Mushrooms
Preparation, uses, and tips
Before using fresh shiitakes, tear off the fibrous stems, and clean the mushrooms carefully
with a damp cloth or paper towel. The mushrooms can also be rinsed briefly, but do not allow
them to soak as they will swell with water. Dried shiitakes should be reconstituted in warm
water for approximately one hour. Once they are reconstituted, chop off the stems. Use the
soaking water and stems to make soup stock.
Cooking brings out the distinct flavor of shiitakes. Sauté or fry them in oil for 5 to
7 minutes; or cook them with a small amount of liquid in a tightly covered pan for 15 minutes.
Once cooked, add them to a pasta recipe, rice dish, soup, sauce, or stir-fry.
Buying and storing tips
When buying fresh shiitake mushrooms, choose mushrooms with firm, spongy caps and small
stems. Fresh shiitake mushrooms keep for up to 14 days when stored in the refrigerator in a
paper bag. Store dried shiitakes in a cool, dry place.
Varieties
Shiitake mushroom are sold fresh and dried.
Nutrition Highlights
Shiitake mushroom, 4 mushrooms (cooked)
Calories: 40
Protein: 1.12g
Carbohydrate: 10.3g
Total Fat: 0.16g
Fiber: 1.5g
*Excellent source of: Selenium (17.8mcg)
*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular
nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value. Foods that are a “good
source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the Recommended Daily
Value.