The shitake mushroom is an edible fungus, native to China and Japan. It is widely used in many east Asian cuisines and has become an increasingly popular delicacy worldwide. (Read more about shitakes on Wikipedia.)
Storage Tips
Prepackaged mushrooms can be stored, unopened, in the refrigerator for about one week. Once opened, mushrooms should be moved to a paper bag and refrigerated.
Nutrition
Shitake mushrooms are a good source of riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, copper, selenium, and iron. Additionally, animal studies have found anti-tumor, cholesterol-lowering, and virus-inhibiting effects in compounds in shiitake mushrooms. (Read more about shitakes and cancer research from the American Cancer Society and get your shitake nutrition facts on Self.com.)
Recipes
Green Bean and Shiitake Mushroom Stir Fry
Green Beans with Shiitake Mushrooms
Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
Home Fries with Wild Mushrooms
Kitchen Scrap Vegetable Broth
Minneola and Brown Rice Lettuce Wraps
Mixed Mushroom Risotto
Roasted Delicata Squash with Mushrooms and Thyme
Roasted Pumpkin Soup
Roasted Shitake, Portobello, and Crimini Mushrooms
Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Mushrooms and Peppers
Stir Fry Vegetables with Penne
Sweet Corn and Wild Mushroom Soup
Sweet Potato Bisque with Shiitake Mushrooms
Vegetable Paella