Organic Shiitake Mushroom Powder

• Log Grown and Fruiting Body

• Japanese Delicacy

• Certified Organic by Organic Food Federation

About Shiitake

Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) are edible fungus that normally grows on dead trees and logs of particular species. The term shiitake originates from the Shii tree that is popular in Japan. Some of the common terminologies used to refer to the tree include fragrant mushroom, lentinula, pasania fungus, and black forest mushroom. Lentinula is derived from lentinan, a polysaccharide present in high proportions in the mushroom. This species of mushrooms is ranked among the most renowned and potent mushrooms. Oaks rank top in the list of hardwood trees that play host in growth of shiitake mushrooms. Other trees whose cut logs also play host include sugar maple, aspen birch, and poplar, among others.
Shiitake mushrooms are meaty, sizeable and stronger, when placed alongside other mushrooms. Both the cap and stem are brown in colour; however, the shades may vary slightly based on different factors. The stalks that hold the mushroom cap are quite sturdy and are used to make soup. Shiitake mushroom powder is obtained after the mushrooms are plucked and dried. The powder has a sweet, savoury flavour. Shiitake mushrooms thrive while growing in shades, with minimal exposure to the sun and wind. While growing in the wild, the mushrooms thrive in high elevations, on hills and ranges. The nature of this fungus is such that it cannot compete with other fungi for nutrients, as it will die off. It is therefore found growing in isolation. 

Shiitake mushrooms have a rich history that can be traced back to over 6,000 years ago. Traditionally, shiitake mushrooms were taken either in their fresh or dried form. To date, they are still part of several cuisines in East Asia, especially in China, Taiwan, Indonesia and Japan. Before the mushrooms were domesticated, they grew freely in the wild. The special method of propagation of this species of mushrooms makes them special to the natives. The Chinese who existed during the Song Dynasty were the first to learn how to propagate the mushrooms, over 1000 years ago. Within a relatively short time, the practice had caught fire and was now being used in the whole of China. It then spread over to neighbouring Japan, during the era of exchange of deaf people. The most popular narrative on growth and cultivation of shiitake mushrooms in China is on the legendary Wu Sang Kang. Ancient Chinese texts state how he came across a peculiar ‘plant’ that was growing from a felled and rotting log. This happened as he makes a casual stroll through the forest, during his regular hunting and gathering expeditions. He was surprised by how strong and robust this species of mushrooms looked, despite surviving on rotting tree. He is credited for introducing shiitake mushrooms to the greater population, including present-day methods of cultivation of the latter. Through his efforts, other scientists that followed, and the greater world was able to learn how to cultivate shiitake mushrooms. This increased its production domestically as opposed to finding it in the wild. To date, shiitake mushrooms are still many people’s favourite in East Asia.

• Please note it is against MHRA guidelines for us to talk about any potential health benefits for this supplement however a quick google search on the potential benefits and you may be surprised.

How to use Shiitake

4 - 6 grams a day, can be made into a hot tea, mixed int stews and soups or smoothies, but can also add to smoothies, or just mixed with water.