Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake Mushrooms are one of the most popular, edible mushrooms in the world. These Mushrooms are native to and largely consumed in East Asian countries. The word Shiitake is Japanese, which means “Shii mushroom”(a Japanese evergreen tree on which mushrooms grow often). They are also known as Chinese black mushrooms or black forest mushrooms.
Shiitake mushrooms are categorized as brown-capped mushrooms used as food and supplements globally. The Shiitake mushrooms have a rich meaty and buttery flavor. They are famous for their extremely rich and savory flavor; not to forget they consist of multiple health benefits too!
Can You Eat Shiitake Mushrooms Raw?
This has always been confusing for people to know whether you can eat Shiitake Mushrooms raw or not! But now, the confusion is clear because the Shiitake Mushrooms can be eaten raw. No preparations are needed; the raw Shiitake Mushrooms are fine to eat.
Mostly, Shiitake Mushrooms are sold dried- though they are the same nutritionally as fresh Shiitake Mushrooms. So you just need to soak the raw and dried Shiitake Mushrooms in water before eating them.
Though eating Shiitake Mushrooms raw can have certain side effects, but luckily it doesn’t cause much damage or serious health issues.
How to Use Raw Shiitake Mushrooms?
To use Shiitake Mushrooms, you just need to slice them in strips, and it can be used in several things such as scatter them over a salad or garnish your nachos with them. They boost the flavor and add some extra Nutrition to the dish!
Shiitake Mushrooms; Origin, Health Benefits, and Facts
The Latin word for Shiitake mushrooms is Lentinula edodes. In 1000 and 1100 A.D, these Mushrooms were first cultivated in China. As a result, Shiitake mushrooms are the second most cultivated mushroom in the world. In the past two years, the farming of Shiitake mushrooms has increased up to 20%.
Shiitake mushrooms consist of many health benefits, such as- it improves the immune system, good for bone health and helpful in cellular growth, and keeping the cholesterol level maintained.
Are Raw Shiitake Mushrooms Harmful to Consume?
Raw Shiitake mushrooms are not that dangerous to consume, but some people are sensitive and prefer cooked Shiitake Mushrooms. These Mushrooms can be a bit harmful to people because of the lentinan compound they contain, resulting in an allergic reaction with skin dermatitis.
Nutritional Fact about Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake Mushrooms consist of low calories, especially when eaten raw. Shiitake Mushrooms consists of the following nutritional facts and benefits:
- Calories: 44g ( In around 4 Shiitake Mushrooms)
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
In addition, Shiitake Mushrooms consist of Vitamins B3, B6, and D, amino acids, manganese, zinc, minerals, and folate.
Shiitake Mushrooms Raw Vs. Shiitake Mushrooms Cooked! Which One is Better?
Most people prefer cooked Shiitake Mushrooms since they are much healthier than raw Shiitake Mushrooms. The flavor and taste of cooked Shiitake Mushrooms are much enhanced than raw ones. Although, therefore, we know that some various mushrooms are harmful or poisonous, similarly cooked Shiitake Mushrooms are not harmful as compared to raw Shiitake Mushrooms- which has a chance of affecting 2% of people in the entire population.
How to Store Raw Shiitake Mushrooms?
You can easily store raw Shiitake Mushrooms in the refrigerator. The Mushrooms can stay good and fresh for 14 days in the refrigerator- just keep them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. You can also keep the Mushrooms in a bowl and cover them with plastic wrap.
Looking for more delicious recipes or side-lines, check out the following amazing and healthy recipes:
- Spinach Feta Chicken Longhorn.
- Brown Rice Spaghetti
- Cauliflower and Kale.
- Almond Tea Cake
- Cherry Almond Biscotti.
- Peanut Butter Banana Juice
- Classic Hummus
- Vegan Avocado Pasta.
Though cooked mushrooms are healthier and delicious than Shiitake, it is clear that you can eat Shiitake Mushrooms raw, though many people still prefer cooked Shiitake Mushrooms. So use raw Shiitake mushrooms in your recipes and let us know in the comments section below how you like them! Waiting for your feedback!
If you want to buy good quality mushrooms then avoid packing mushrooms. There are some common types of mushrooms cultivated in the world. Mushrooms can tolerate some light, but the spot you choose should stay relatively dark or in low light. I have been running my mushroom business since 2015 after buying logs from Agrinoon(Fujian). I grow mushrooms like Shiitake, Oyster, and Morels.