Asian Shii-take Mushroom

Shii-take (Lentinus edodes), also known as shiitake mushroom, is a wood-decay fungus originating from China.

The name shii-take (shiitake, shitake) can be loosely translated as mushroom from the oak tree. As its name suggests, this mushroom grows on hardwood deciduous trees, especially on oak and beech. In our geographical latitudes, it cannot be found growing wild, but it can be cultivated at home.

Although shiitake is not yet very well known in our regions, globally it is the second most cultivated mushroom right after button mushrooms. It finds its use in preparing vegetarian and meat-based main dishes, soups and sauces.

Shii-take in the Kitchen

This interesting mushroom is particularly popular with the Japanese, which is why we encounter it primarily in Japanese and Asian cuisine. However, we can also use it very well to flavour traditional dishes or prepare it as a main course.

Its distinctive taste and aroma easily transfer to other ingredients. It pairs exceptionally well with fish, chicken and rabbit meat. It is also often used in vegetarian and vegan cuisine.

The mushrooms themselves can be used as a spice in powder form or used fresh or dried. Dried mushrooms need to be soaked in water before preparation. From fresh ones, only the caps are used, the tough stem is cut off. Thanks to the mushroom's strong flavour, there is no need to season dishes containing it.

Shiitake can also be prepared like classic mushrooms - make scrambled eggs with them, braise them (it is not recommended to add too much liquid to these mushrooms), fry them with caraway seeds or breaded. They are also excellent mixed with fresh vegetables quickly stir-fried in a pan. Rice generally works well as a side dish for meals containing shiitake.

If you enjoy grilling and would like to try something new, shiitake mushroom is one option. Grilled mushroom caps can be basted with a mixture of oil, garlic and salt; for a more spicy flavour, we can add a few drops of lemon juice.

Shii-take can be part of a dietary regime. The mushroom itself contains almost no calories, yet it is filling and provides the body with plenty of essential vitamins and minerals.

When Shiitake Can Help

In Asia, this mushroom has been known and used as medicine for almost 2,000 years. Thanks to its effects, it has earned nicknames such as "elixir of life" or "mushroom of longevity."

Shiitake strengthens immunity, has significant antibacterial and antiviral effects (it can stop a cold or flu in its early stages), helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Shii-take helps regulate blood sugar levels in diabetics and excess hormone levels, works against arteriosclerosis and generally in cardiovascular diseases.

It helps with skin problems such as acne, eczema, and aphthous ulcers. In some cases, it has also proven effective in treating fungal and yeast infections.

Great attention is paid to the anti-cancer effects of shiitake mushroom. It works not only as prevention against tumor growth, but its effect on already developed tumors is also being researched. In Japan, it has become a standard part of stomach cancer treatment and is beginning to be tested for its effects in patients after breast cancer surgery.

Its anti-cancer properties are mentioned in ancient preserved herbals. The carrier of the anti-cancer effect is a substance called lentinan, which is contained in the fruiting bodies of this mushroom.

Growing Shiitake

The mushroom comes from the subtropical rainforests of Asia, so it requires warmth and high relative air humidity.

For home cultivation, we can use hardwood logs (preferably oak, beech, or birch) about two months after felling, or straw cut into short pieces.

Holes need to be drilled into the wood and spawn inserted into them; for straw, it just needs to be lightly pressed in. Then we place the straw or wood with spawn into a plastic bag to maintain moisture (make several holes in it for air) and position it at normal room temperature around 20 degrees Celsius.

For fruiting body formation, it's better to later reduce the temperature below 18 degrees and allow at least some light access. You can plant shiitake year-round, and you'll be harvesting fruiting bodies for at least three, sometimes up to six years.

You can now order shiitake mushroom spawn in our e-shop!