The 'How to Cook' Blog

EDEN Sliced Shiitake Mushrooms are grown on logs of the ‘shii’ tree (Pasania cuspidata or Quercus cuspidata), a species of oak that grow in central and southern Japan. Fresh logs are cut into 3 foot lengths in the fall when they are about eight inches in diameter. Holes are drilled in the logs and shiitake spores inserted. The logs are placed in pine forests where there’s an ideal balance of sunlight, shade, and moisture. In approximately one year the shiitake begin to push to the surface. Shiitake will continue growing on the oak logs until the logs have completely decayed, usually after four or five years. EDEN Sliced Shiitake are hand harvested. The stems are removed and discarded before slicing the caps and naturally drying. After drying the slices are sorted for uniform thickness, shape and color before packing.EDEN Sliced Shiitake Mushrooms are grown in their natural habitat unlike commercial varieties grown indoors on sawdust bricks or artificial logs. Commercial shiitake are treated with fungicides to prevent mold growth. Shiitake grown under such conditions are less flavorful and healthful than our naturally grown shiitake.Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula Edodes) have been valued as a food and medicine in Japan, China and other Asian countries since ancient times. Cultivated for more than 1,000 years. Shiitake are the second most common edible mushroom in the world after the white button mushroom. Shiitake have long been recognized as a healing food, a quality researchers attribute in part to their abundance of complex carbohydrates known as polysaccharides. Lentinan and lentinula edodes mycelium (LEM) are two polysaccharides in shiitake that scientists are finding can help the body with diseases involving suppressed immune system function, including various types of cancer. Researchers believe these two polysaccharides may stimulate the immune system cells to clear the body of cancer cells. Shiitake are believed to have anti-viral properties, helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and to support liver function. A staple in Asian cooking, shiitake are valued for their ability to counteract the effects of excess salt and animal food.EDEN Shiitake Mushrooms are an excellent source of dietary fiber and vitamin D (25% of the daily value per serving) and a good source of niacin (B3). They provide quality protein, complex carbohydrate, potassium, riboflavin (B2), thiamin (B1), iron, magnesium and zinc. Fat free, sodium free, and low carb.To use EDEN Sliced Shiitake Mushrooms soak in warm water to cover for 5 to 7 minutes and they are ready. Reserve the soaking water for cooking. No need to remove stems or slice! For soups, stews and broth, there is no need to soak, simply add to the pot and cook. Tender in minutes. Use as you would other fresh or dried mushrooms in stir fries, soups, stews, gravies, sauces, pasta dishes or to make Shiitake Tea. Use EDEN Sliced Shiitake in place of beef or bouillon cubes in French onion soup or in place of ch