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Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) is an edible mushroom native to East Asia. It is one of the most popular cultivated mushrooms in the world.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap of a shiitake mushroom is typically 5-15 cm in diameter. It is brown to dark brown in color and has a smooth or slightly scaly surface. The cap is often slightly convex, but it can flatten out as it ages.
- Gills
- The gills of a shiitake mushroom are white to pale brown in color and are attached to the stem. They are closely spaced and often have a slightly toothed edge.
- Stem
- The stem of a shiitake mushroom is typically 2-5 cm long and 1-2 cm thick. It is white to pale brown in color and is usually attached to the cap in the center. The stem is often slightly hairy or scaly.
- Flesh
- The flesh of a shiitake mushroom is white and firm.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body of a shiitake mushroom is typically 5-15 cm in diameter and has a characteristic umbrella-shaped cap.
- Habitat
- Shiitake mushrooms are saprophytic and grow on dead or decaying hardwood trees. They are often found in forests or on logs.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth or slightly scaly
- Growth Form: Clustered
- Spore Print: White
- Body color: Brown, white
- Odor: Aniseed
- Flesh bruises: Does not bruise
- Height: 5-15 cm
- Cap Diameter: 5-15 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprophytic
Safe
SafeShiitake mushrooms are a safe and edible mushroom. However, some people may experience allergic reactions, such as skin rashes or digestive problems, after eating them. It is also important to note that some types of shiitake mushrooms may contain a substance called lentinan, which can cause immune system problems in people who are taking immunosuppressant medications.
Quick Check
- Odor: Aniseed
- Fruiting: Clusters on wood
- Substrate: Dead or decaying hardwood trees
Where to Find
Hardwood forests
Shiitake mushrooms can be found growing on dead or decaying hardwood trees, such as oak, beech, and chestnut.
Finding Tips
Where to find shiitake mushrooms?
Look for clusters of shiitake mushrooms growing on the trunks of trees. They typically appear in the spring and fall, after periods of rain.
Similar Species
Oyster mushroom
Pleurotus ostreatus
Also known as: Oyster mushroom
Brown beech mushroom
Hypsizygus tessulatus
Also known as: Brown beech mushroom
Maitake
Grifola frondosa
Also known as: Maitake
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Polyporales
- Family
- Polyporaceae
- Genus
- Lentinus
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 4 degrees Celsius
- Freezing duration: 3 months
- Min Temperature: 0 degrees Celsius
- Refrigeration: 1 week
How to Clean
Shiitake mushrooms can be cleaned by wiping them with a damp cloth. If they are very dirty, you can rinse them briefly in cold water. Avoid soaking them in water for too long, as this will make them soggy.
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