Sarah Brown
Shiitake mushrooms, or Lentinula edodes, are one of the most commonly cultivated and consumed mushrooms in the world. They are native to the temperate mountains of Asia, where they grow on the shii tree, a member of the oak/chestnut/beech family. Shiitake mushrooms have distinctive physical characteristics, including umbrella-shaped caps that are brown in colour, gills that are whitish or cream-coloured, and curved stems that are white or cream but can turn brown. They also have a unique growing habitat, only found on hardwood logs that have been inoculated, and a white spore print.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cap | Light to dark brown, sometimes with white spots, or yellow-brown; oyster or fan-shaped, 2-10 inches across; wide and flattened caps occur when logs become overmature |
| Gills | White to very light brown, tan, or rusty brown; adnexed or decurrent (attached to and running down the stem); firm |
| Stem | White to very light brown; curved, tough, and fibrous; may be stubby and off-center |
| Spore print | White to lilac grey; gills give a rusty spore print |
| Habitat | Found growing from hardwood logs that have been inoculated, especially beech and poplar; native to temperate mountains of Asia; grows on the shii tree, a member of the oak/chestnut/beech family |
| Season | Fruits in spring and autumn |
| Smell | Earthy |
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What You'll Learn
Cap colour: light to dark brown, sometimes with white spots
Shiitake mushrooms have caps that are light to dark brown, sometimes with white spots. The caps are umbrella-shaped and can range in size from 5 to 15 cm (2 to 6 inches) in diameter. They may have white, fluffy tufts adorning their edges, called scabers. The caps can also crack as the mushrooms mature, which is considered a desirable feature in dried mushrooms.
The gills of shiitake mushrooms are whitish or cream-coloured and have serrated edges. They are described as tan-coloured or rusty brown. The gills are attached to the stem and run directly down it in a formation called decurrent. The stems themselves are white or cream but can turn brown as the mushroom grows larger. They may be tough, tender, or fibrous. Tough stems should be removed and saved for use in soups and stocks.
Shiitake mushrooms are often found in groups on the decaying wood of deciduous trees, particularly chinquapin, chestnut, oak, maple, beech, sweetgum, poplar, hornbeam, ironwood, and mulberry. They are native to the temperate mountains of Asia and grow on the shii tree (Castanopsis cuspidata), a member of the oak/chestnut/beech family.
To identify shiitake mushrooms, it is important to examine their physical characteristics, such as cap colour, gill colour, and stem characteristics. Additionally, their growing habitat and spore print can help with identification. Shiitake mushrooms will only be found growing from hardwood logs that have been inoculated, and they do not have a ring around the stem, even when young. Their spore print is white, in contrast to similar-looking Galerina mushrooms, which have a brown spore print.
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Cap shape: umbrella-shaped, sometimes with curled edges
One of the most distinctive features of shiitake mushrooms is their cap shape. Shiitake caps are typically umbrella-shaped, with curled edges that roll down and inwards towards the gills. This distinctive shape is one of the key characteristics that set shiitake mushrooms apart from other varieties.
The caps of shiitake mushrooms are also known for their brown colour, ranging from tan to dark brown, with some exhibiting yellow-brown hues. Sometimes, the caps may have fluffy white tufts adorning their edges, which are called scabers. As the mushrooms mature, the caps can develop cracks, a feature that is particularly prized in dried shiitake mushrooms.
The size of the caps can vary, typically growing anywhere from 5 to 15 cm in diameter. Wide and flattened caps can occur when the logs from which shiitake mushrooms grow become overmature. To prevent this, it is important to harvest the mushrooms in a timely manner when the caps are slightly rolled under along the margins.
The curled edges of the shiitake cap provide a striking visual contrast to the whitish or cream-coloured gills underneath. These gills are described as tan or rusty in colour and have serrated edges. They play a crucial role in spore dispersal, with the spores leaving a white spore print.
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Gills: white to light brown, with serrated edges
When identifying shiitake mushrooms, it is important to pay attention to the gills, which are the thin, blade-like structures underneath the cap of the mushroom. The gills of shiitake mushrooms are typically white to very light brown in colour, with serrated edges. This distinctive serration is a key feature that helps distinguish shiitake from other similar mushrooms.
The gills of shiitake mushrooms are also described as tan-coloured, cream-coloured, or brownish. They are adnexed, which means they are attached to the stem and run directly down it. The gills are covered by a veil when the mushroom is young, which tears as the mushroom opens, forming a ring around the stem. However, shiitake mushrooms never form this ring, even when mature.
The colour of the gills can vary depending on the age and maturity of the mushroom. Young shiitake mushrooms may have gills that are paler, and as they age, the gills can bruise and turn brownish. The gills are an important part of mushroom identification, but it is also recommended to examine other features such as the cap, stem, spore print, and growing habitat to make a reliable identification.
Additionally, when identifying shiitake mushrooms, it is important to be aware of potential look-alikes, such as Galerina marginata, which can grow from wild logs in the forest. Galerina mushrooms typically have a ring around the stem, which may degrade as the mushroom ages, and their gills will darken with age. By making a spore print, you can reliably distinguish shiitake from Galerina, as shiitake will always have a white spore print, while Galerina will have a brown spore print.
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Stem: white to light brown, tough
When identifying shiitake mushrooms, one of the key characteristics to look for is the colour of the stem. The stem of a shiitake mushroom is typically white to very light brown in colour. In some cases, it can also turn brown as the mushroom grows larger. The stem is also described as being tough and fibrous, although it can range from tender to fibrous. The toughness of the stem is one of the reasons why it is often removed before cooking and saved for use in stocks and soups.
The stem of a shiitake mushroom is also characterised by its lack of a ring or bulge at the base. This is a key distinguishing feature when compared to other mushroom varieties, such as Galerina, which typically have a ring or annulus around the stem. The absence of a ring on the stem is true for shiitake mushrooms of all ages, even when they are young.
It is important to note that shiitake mushrooms are typically found growing on hardwood logs, particularly those of chinquapin, chestnut, oak, maple, beech, sweetgum, poplar, hornbeam, ironwood, and mulberry trees. They are not typically found growing on the ground, so if you come across a mushroom with similar characteristics in a different growing environment, it may be a different variety.
Additionally, shiitake mushrooms have wide-open veils and curved stems. The caps are described as being umbrella-shaped, and the gills are tan or cream-coloured. The caps can range in size from 5 to 15 cm in diameter, while the mushrooms themselves typically grow to a height of 5 to 8 cm.
When identifying shiitake mushrooms, it is always important to exercise caution. If you are ever unsure about the identity of a mushroom, it is best to discard it rather than risk consuming something harmful.
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Spore print: white
Spore prints are a useful way to help identify mushrooms down to the genus and sometimes the species level. To make a spore print, you'll need a piece of glass or clear plastic, some aluminium foil, and a mushroom cap. Place the glass or plastic on top of the foil, and then place the mushroom cap, gills facing down, on the glass or plastic. Leave this setup overnight, and by morning, you should have a spore print on the foil.
Shiitake mushrooms, when they produce a spore print, will exhibit a white colour. This is a key characteristic to help identify them. The scientific name for the shiitake mushroom is left out here, but feel free to include it if needed, and it belongs to the Marasmiaceae family of fungi.
Making a spore print is a simple, non-destructive way to examine one of the many fascinating characteristics of mushrooms. It is a useful technique for mushroom enthusiasts and mycologists alike, aiding in the identification of mushrooms and furthering our understanding of the diverse world of fungi.
It is important to note that spore colour is just one aspect of mushroom identification. Other factors, such as the shape and size of the mushroom, the type of forest it is found in, and the colour of the cap, also play a crucial role in accurate identification. Combining spore print analysis with these other characteristics will help ensure a more precise identification of shiitake mushrooms or any other type of mushroom you may encounter.
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