Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

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Shiitake mushrooms are a popular gourmet mushroom that is a primary decomposer of dead hardwood trees. It is a good source of protein, B Vitamins (niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid), folate, Vitamin D, selenium, and other minerals. They also contain several amino acids, sterols, polysaccharides, terpenoids, lipids, eritadenine, and lentinan.

 

Lentinan is a polysaccharide that can stimulate lymphocytes and other immune cell responses. It can increase natural killer (NK) cell action and enhanced production of white blood cells. In addition, other active compounds found in Shiitake can help lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and have anti-viral properties.

 

ALWAYS COOK SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS BEFORE EATING!

 

The Vitamin D content of Shiitake can be increased by exposing the gills of a living or freshly picked mushrooms to direct sunlight. According to Stamets, “one hour of exposure … (finish from Mycelium Running)."

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 If you are interested in cultivating Shiitake mushrooms, contact us for grow kits or plug spawn to inoculate your own mushroom logs.

 

References:

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Finimundy T.C., Pinheiro Dillon A.J., Pega Henriques J.A., Ely M.R. A Review of General Nutritional Compounds and Pharmacological Propertie of the Lentinula edodes Mushroom. Food and Nutrition Sciences 2014, 5: 1095-1105

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Stamets P. MycoMedicinals: An Informational Treatise on Mushrooms; 3rd Edition. MycoMedia Productions 2002.