Jinshantun Shiitake Mushrooms

Jinshantun Shiitake Mushrooms

　　Shiitake mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of the fungus Lentinula edodes, belonging to the Basidiomycota division, Agaricomycetes class, and Tricholomataceae family. They are one of the world’s most renowned edible mushrooms. They contain a unique aromatic compound—lentinacin—which gives them their distinctive mushroom aroma, hence the name “shiitake.” Thanks to their rich nutrition, fragrant scent, and delicious taste, they have long been hailed as the “King of Mushrooms,” the “Queen of Fungi,” and the “Crown of Vegetables.” They rank above straw mushrooms and oyster mushrooms, and are also known as the “Queen of Plants,” making them one of the prized “mountain delicacies.”

　　Shiitake mushrooms have an umbrella-shaped cap, 3 to 6 centimeters in diameter, with a yellowish-brown or dark brown surface. The gills are white, the stem is yellow, and it is covered with cottony white scales that become less visible when dried. Shiitake mushrooms are high in protein, low in fat, and rich in polysaccharides, various amino acids, and multiple vitamins. They also contain rare compounds such as lentinic acid and eritadenine, which are uncommon in most foods, giving them an exceptionally savory flavor.