Feel for wrinkles on the outside of the mushroom. Once these have appeared, and the top and stem shrivel, the shitake should not be used. Look on the top of the mushroom for brown or dark spots. These dark patches indicate the mushroom has begun to go bad, and should not be consumed.
These gills are used by the mushrooms for spore dispersal, but they can also help you to tell whether your mushrooms are still good to eat. If you see that this area has darkened, it means that the rotting process has begun.
What are shiitake mushrooms?
Shiitake mushrooms are a type of edible fungus that is native to Asia and can be consumed raw, cooked, or in nutritional supplement form as a powdered extract of the mushroom’s contents. Shiitake mushrooms have been used as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, and is commonly used in Asian cooking .
Where do shiitake mushrooms come from?
People in China first began cultivating shiitake mushrooms about 1,000 to 1,200 years ago, where they knew the species as dongo or shanku. Cultivation methods later spread to Japan, with samurai warriors controlling most of the production for the aristocracy.
You should be wondering “Are shiitake mushrooms safe?”
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of shiitake mushroom for these uses. When taken by mouth: Shiitake mushroom is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in food amounts. It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE in medicinal amounts, or when the uncooked mushroom is eaten . It can cause stomach discomfort, blood abnormalities, and skin swelling ( inflammation ).
The American Cancer Society notes that shiitake mushrooms are generally considered safe, although they may cause digestive distress, including bloating and diarrhea. Other digestive side effects include upset stomach, nausea, persistent stomach cramps, and vomiting.
Pregnancy and breast -feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking shiitake mushroom if you are pregnant or breast -feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Why is it called shiitake?
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.
How can you tell if shitakes have gone bad?
Look on the top of the mushroom for brown or dark spots. These dark patches indicate the mushroom has begun to go bad, and should not be consumed. Store shitakes in a paper bag.