Shiitake Mushrooms are edible fungus that grows in forests in Asia. They are also called as Oakwood mushroom, gold oak mushroom, black forest mushroom and Japanese mushroom. Shiitake mushrooms have health-boosting attributes that make them different from other mushrooms.
Their health benefits have been used early in centuries. Shiitake mushrooms have smoky flavor and rich texture that make them the second most cultivated edible mushrooms worldwide.
They have 10 times more flavor than white button mushrooms especially when they're soaked in water and dried, Food Facts reported.
Shiitake Mushrooms are rich source of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. They are good source of copper that constitutes the 65 percent of daily value per serving, panthothenic acid provides 52 percent while selenium, provides 51 percent of the daily value requirements.
Shiitake mushrooms also provide niacin, zinc, Riboflavin, manganese and ergothioniene that prevent oxidative process. They have B vitamins B2, B5 and B6 that help breakdown carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Shiitake mushrooms are wonder edible fungus that offer various nutrients and help treat diseases. They were also discovered to have strong compounds that inhibit bacterial growth, tumors, inflammation, viruses and fungus.
There have been many studies conducted on Shiitake due to its unbelievable health benefits. Early studies have found that Lentinan, an antifungal protein in Shiitake mushrooms have cancer-preventing properties. It was found to slow down the growth of tumors and reduces the side effects of leukemia cells and HIV.
Want to try a Shiitake Mushrooms recipe? Here is one:
Ingredients:
6 ounces angel hair pasta
6 ounces fresh sliced shiitake mushrooms
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 onion, chopped
1/4 cup white wine
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup chicken broth
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Procedure:
Sautee onion and garlic in olive oil in medium heat. Mix in Shiitake mushrooms, pour in chicken stock and wine and cooked until little bit thick and mixture has reduced to ½ of its volume. Add cream, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook pasta based on its instruction until texture is al dente.
Tossed the sauce to pasta until fully coated. Serve with grated parmesan cheese and parsley.
For more recipes of Shiitake Mushrooms, please click HERE.
