Shiitaké

Fresh shiitaké have large bark-colored caps which, depending upon the variety, are smooth or nubbly with lighter-colored striations. A peek under the “umbrella” of either type reveals white webbing. Both kinds of shiitaké are grown in Virginia and are delicious. The average size of the cap is 1½ inches across, with 1-inch white stems. The Japanese do not eat uncooked shiitaké, though they cook them only briefly. The fresh fungi should be aromatic and plump; residual dirt clinging to caps or stems is irrelevant. Store the fresh fungi in an open plastic bag in your vegetable bin for up to 5 days.