Shiitake Mushroom Information
Health Benefits, How To Grow Your Own, Cooking Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms, or Lentinus edodes, have long been a desirable staple for their inherent culinary and medicinal properties. They are native to Asian countries, and can often be found growing on the dead logs of hardwood trees. The shiitake, which have grown wild since prehistoric times, are one of a variety of specialty mushrooms that have been enjoyed for both their culinary and medicinal properties. Shiitake mushrooms have been used widely in Asian cultures for centuries. The Chinese have known about, and used shiitake mushrooms medicinally for over 600 years.
In Japan, the shiitake has become a popular source of protein, as well as serving as an anti-cancer drug. Lentinan, a strong anti-tumor polysaccharide, is a derivative of the shiitake. This derivative is used along with other forms of chemotherapy in the treatment of different types of cancer. This includes lung cancer, some melanomas, stomach cancer, and colorectal cancer. Women should note that it may lower the risk of breast cancer. The lentinan from the shiitake effectively helps to diminish cancer recurrence and can also prolong the cancer patients lifespan. It can also help to decrease some of the unwanted side effects of chemotherapy.
The shiitake mushrooms can also help to boost the body's immune system, to help fight off infection, and studies suggest that it may help to lower cholesterol and high blood pressure. The shiitake mushroom also includes all eight essential amino acids. The concentration of which, is higher than that found in soy beans, milk, eggs, and even meat. The shiitake is also a great source of both vitamins and minerals. Rich in vitamins A, B, B12, C, D and Niacin, this wonder mushroom not only tastes good, it's good for you.
Shiitake mushrooms, sometimes called the black forest mushroom, are now widely accepted in American markets and have been grown commercially in North America for some twenty years. The shiitake is often used in cooking as a red meat substitution in many vegetarian meals due to its meaty texture, rich flavour, and dark color. Shiitake mushrooms can be used to enhance most any meal. It can be served by itself or as an accent to the main dish. Dried shiitake can be soaked in boiling water and the liquid can be used for a bullion or added to soups. The use of shiitake mushrooms in American restaurants has gained a lot of popularity since the introduction of organically grown shiitake onto the culinary market.
Fans of the shiitake mushroom can grow their own mushrooms by either purchasing a kit, or if you are the do it yourself type, you can build your own shiitake log. When producing your own shiitake you should first choose the right tree. White and red oak seems to be the best choice for a do it yourself shiitake log. The logs are usually 3 to 4 feel long and about 8 inches round in diameter. It is also very important to keep the moisture in the wood high and the bark dry. The shiitake fungus is then inoculated into the log. The inoculation period, which should be started in early spring should take from 6 to 18 months. The shiitake will produce on the same log for about 3 years.
Now, thanks to the introduction of these shiitake kits and self production methods, nearly everyone can enjoy the hearty taste and health benefits of the shiitake mushroom.