Shiitake, when translated from Japanese, refers to the shii tree on which these mushrooms originally grew, while také means mushroom. These mushrooms are more expensive than white button and cremini mushrooms, but their rich, earthy flavor and meaty texture make them worth the extra cost .
What is the scientific name of shiitake mushrooms?
Lentinus shiitake (J. Schröt.) Singer (1936) The mushroom’s Japanese name shiitake ( 椎茸) is composed of shii (椎, Castanopsis), for the tree Castanopsis cuspidata that provides the dead logs on which it is typically cultivated, and take (茸, “mushroom”). The specific epithet edodes is the Latin word for “edible”.
Black mushrooms, also called shiitake mushrooms, are a staple ingredient in Chinese cuisine. The name “black” is a bit of a misnomer since the mushrooms can be light or dark brown, and even gray when dried. They are also frequently speckled. They are sold fresh but are more commonly purchased dried.
Well, shiitake mushrooms have powerful health benefits. Black mushrooms are high in protein and two B vitamins—B2, which helps maintain the body’s energy, and B12, which keeps cells and nerves healthy. Shiitakes also contain eritadenine, a chemical compound that lowers cholesterol levels.
This effect – presumably caused by the polysaccharide, lentinan – is more common in East Asia, but may be growing in occurrence in Europe as shiitake consumption increases. Thorough cooking may eliminate the allergenicity. There is research investigating the use of shiitake mushrooms in production of organic fertilizer and compost from hardwood.
What is the difference between fresh and dried shiitake mushrooms?
For this reason, dried black mushrooms are preferred over fresh in Asian recipes. Dried mushrooms are more wrinkled than fresh with a harder texture, but once reconstituted, they take on a similar texture to fresh shiitakes. Shiitakes are divided into categories based on their quality.
What does shiitake stand for?
( Berk.) Pegler (1976) The shiitake ( / ʃɪˈtɑːkeɪ, ˌʃiːɪ -, – ki /; Japanese: [ɕiꜜːtake] ( listen) Lentinula edodes) is an edible mushroom native to East Asia, which is cultivated and consumed in many East Asian countries. It is considered a medicinal mushroom in some forms of traditional medicine.
Here, shiitake gained the name that remains widely accepted today — shii for Castanopsis cuspidata, the hardwood tree species that the mushrooms commonly grow on, and take, the Japanese word for mushroom.