Shitake Mushroom

Species name: Lentinus edodes

The shitake mushroom is also known as the Japanese black forest mushroom and is medium brown in color with a flat cap. They are cultivated commercially and can also be found in the wild. The first shitake mushrooms were found growing on hardwood trees more than 2,000 years ago in Japan, and are now commercially grown on artificial logs. The shitake mushroom has a distinctively thick umbrella-shaped cap, chewy texture, and earthy flavor when fresh. Dried shitake mushrooms that have been rehydrated are used regularly in Asian cuisine and possess a smoky, meaty flavor.