Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are widely used in Chinese cuisine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). They are versatile, featuring in many dishes, from being the star of the show to absorbing the flavours of broths and sauces. Chinese mushrooms include shiitake, oyster, and enoki mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms, in particular, are native to East Asia and are cultivated and consumed around the world. They are commercially grown on artificial substrates or hardwood logs, such as oak, in conditions mirroring their natural environment. In Chinese, shiitake mushrooms are called dōnggū or huāgū.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Shiitake, sawtooth oak mushroom, black forest mushroom, black mushroom, golden oak mushroom, oakwood mushroom |
| Scientific name | Lentinula edodes |
| Origin | East Asia |
| Cultivation | Grown in groups on decaying wood of deciduous trees, especially shii and other chinquapins, chestnut, oak, maple, beech, sweetgum, poplar, hornbeam, ironwood, and mulberry |
| Chinese cultivation method | Grown on mixed wood shavings in plastic bags in a greenhouse |
| Japanese cultivation method | Grown on natural sweet sap oak logs in the forest |
| Culinary uses | Soups, braises, stir-fried vegetable dishes, stews, broths |
| Nutritional content | 90% water, 7% carbohydrates, 2% protein, less than 1% fat, moderate levels of dietary minerals, produces vitamin D2 upon exposure to UVB rays |
| Allergies | May cause an allergic reaction called "shiitake dermatitis" resulting in a rash |
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What You'll Learn
- Shiitake mushrooms are native to East Asia and are cultivated and consumed around the world
- Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient in Chinese cuisine, especially in vegan Buddhist dishes
- Chinese people grow shiitake mushrooms on mixed wood shavings in plastic bags, in artificial conditions
- Mushrooms are used in Chinese medicine, and mushroom extract is a popular supplement in the West
- Oyster mushrooms are quick to cook and can be stir-fried, deep-fried, or braised with other vegetables
Shiitake mushrooms are native to East Asia and are cultivated and consumed around the world
Mushrooms are widely used in Chinese cuisine, and they are also prevalent in traditional Chinese medicine. The shiitake mushroom, in particular, is native to East Asia and is cultivated and consumed around the world.
Shiitake mushrooms are native to East Asia and are commonly called "black mushrooms". They grow in groups on the decaying wood of deciduous trees, especially oaks and trees in the order Fagales, and trees in the Castanopsis genus, such as chestnut, maple, and sawtooth oak. The earliest written record of shiitake cultivation is from the Song dynasty in China, in 1209. The Japanese later adopted the Chinese methods of shiitake cultivation.
Shiitake mushrooms have been scientifically described as Lentinula edodes, and they are among the most commonly cultivated fungi in the world. They are important in a number of Asian and vegetarian dishes, and they are also used in traditional Asian medicine. Shiitake mushrooms are high in dietary fibre, vitamins B, C, and D, copper, selenium, manganese, and iron. They also contain biologically active chemicals, such as the polysaccharide lentinan, which may have benefits against cancer and other diseases.
Shiitake mushrooms are widely used in Chinese cuisine. They are used in soups, braises, and stir-fried vegetable dishes such as Buddha's delight. They can be purchased dried or fresh and are a cheap and convenient ingredient. However, consuming raw or undercooked shiitake mushrooms can cause an allergic reaction called "shiitake dermatitis", so they should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.
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Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient in Chinese cuisine, especially in vegan Buddhist dishes
Mushrooms are an incredibly versatile ingredient in Chinese cuisine, especially in vegan Buddhist dishes. They are widely used in Chinese cooking as a regular dietary component and are prized for their health benefits. In vegan dishes, they are a popular meat substitute, offering a similar texture and flavour.
There are many types of mushrooms used in Chinese cooking, including shiitake, enoki, king oyster, and wood ear mushrooms. These can be used fresh or dried, and dried mushrooms can be rehydrated and used in vegan stocks. The stems can also be used in this way, adding flavour to stews and stocks. The soaking liquid from rehydrated mushrooms can also be used in cooking, adding an aromatic, distinctive flavour to stews.
Buddha's Delight, or Lo Han Jai, is a famous vegetarian dish in Chinese and Buddhist cuisine. It is a vegetable stew, often served at Chinese New Year, and is said to bring good luck. The dish contains a variety of vegetables, noodles, and tofu, and can include shiitake, enoki, and wood ear mushrooms. The mushrooms are rehydrated before cooking, and the soaking liquid can be used in the stew.
The versatility of mushrooms in Chinese cooking is clear—they can be stir-fried, deep-fried, braised, steamed, or baked. They are a staple ingredient in vegan Buddhist dishes, offering a meaty texture and a natural umami flavour. Mushrooms are a key ingredient in Chinese cooking, and their use has spread to Western medicine and cuisine, with mushroom extracts now a popular health supplement.
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Chinese people grow shiitake mushrooms on mixed wood shavings in plastic bags, in artificial conditions
Mushrooms are widely used in Chinese cuisine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. They are also popular in vegan Buddhist cuisine. One of the most popular mushrooms in China is the shiitake mushroom, which is native to East Asia and cultivated and consumed around the globe.
Shiitake mushrooms are commonly grown in artificial conditions in China. They are cultivated in greenhouses on mixed wood shavings in plastic bags. This method of cultivation is distinct from the natural growth of shiitake mushrooms in forest settings, as seen in Japan.
The process of growing shiitake mushrooms on wood shavings involves mixing the shavings with other materials, such as bran and sugar, and placing them in a plastic bag. The spawn run, or the growth period, can take between one to three months, depending on various factors such as temperature and humidity. During this stage, it is important to maintain moisture by adding clean water occasionally.
As the spawn run nears its end, a white coat will form on the substrate mass, helping to prevent infection. The surface will then develop bumps, which may turn into primordia and eventually mushrooms. However, not all bumps will develop successfully. Once the mushrooms have fruited, the plastic bag is removed to increase oxygen levels and ripen the mushrooms. This stage typically lasts between seven to fourteen days. After harvesting, the blocks are moved to a recovery stage, where humidity is lowered, and temperature is increased to allow the blocks to heal.
Growing shiitake mushrooms on wood shavings in plastic bags offers several advantages. It is a slow process that requires less maintenance and can be easily done outdoors without specialized equipment. While the yields may be lower, the mushrooms tend to have a superior taste compared to those grown in artificial conditions.
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Mushrooms are used in Chinese medicine, and mushroom extract is a popular supplement in the West
Mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years, contributing significantly to a holistic approach to health. They are also widely used in Chinese cuisine as part of a regular diet. In fact, mushrooms are so prevalent in East Asian cooking that they are considered a versatile ingredient, especially in vegan Buddhist cuisine.
Mushrooms are known to have many medicinal properties and health benefits. They have been used for the maintenance of physical well-being and the treatment of numerous diseases since ancient times, especially in Asian regions. They exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including antiallergic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiviral, cytotoxic, immunomodulating, antidepressive, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, digestive, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, nephroprotective, osteoprotective, and hypotensive activities.
In particular, Chinese mushroom species are studied for their antioxidant, anticancer, tumor suppressive, and antibacterial properties. For example, Fomitopsis pinicola may curb oxidative stress and inflammation that promote cancer, while Hericium erinaceus extracts inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation in vitro and in SCID mice. Chinese Cordyceps boosts immunological responses and reduces tumor microenvironment immunosuppression.
Mushroom extract has become a popular medicinal and nutritional supplement in the West due to its prevalence in TCM. In Western countries, the application of mushrooms in medical therapies is still rather limited, especially in conventional medical institutions. However, there is a slow increase in the number of doctors using mushroom supplements in their daily practice. Popular mushroom supplements in the West include OM Mushroom Superfood Lion's Mane Organic Mushroom Powder, Real Mushrooms Lions Mane Mushroom Supplement, and Host Defense MycoBotanicals Brain* Capsules.
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Oyster mushrooms are quick to cook and can be stir-fried, deep-fried, or braised with other vegetables
Oyster mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are quick to cook and can be prepared in a number of ways, including stir-frying, deep-frying, or braising with other vegetables. Here are some tips and recipes to help you make the most of this delicious and healthy ingredient.
Stir-frying is a great way to cook oyster mushrooms quickly and easily. Simply heat some olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat, and then add the mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until they are lightly browned, and then add your choice of seasonings and other ingredients. A simple and tasty option is to stir-fry the mushrooms with garlic, butter, and parsley. You can also add other vegetables to the stir-fry, such as carrots, peas, and bell peppers, for a nutritious and colourful dish.
Deep-frying oyster mushrooms is another option for a quick and tasty treat. To deep-fry, simply heat a large pot of oil to a temperature of around 180-190°C (350-375°F). Cut the mushrooms into evenly sized pieces, dip them in a batter of your choice, and then carefully lower them into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce or as a topping for salads or rice bowls.
Braising oyster mushrooms with other vegetables is a great way to create a hearty and flavourful dish. Simply sauté the mushrooms with some onions, garlic, and your choice of herbs and spices. Then, add a small amount of liquid such as broth, wine, or water, and simmer over low heat until the mushrooms are tender. You can braise oyster mushrooms with a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, or greens, to create a nutritious and comforting meal.
Oyster mushrooms are also delicious when grilled, roasted, or sautéed. Grilling gives them a smoky flavour that pairs well with other grilled foods like vegetables or meat. Roasting oyster mushrooms brings out their natural sweetness and makes them tender and juicy. Sautéing is a quick and easy way to cook oyster mushrooms, and they can be sautéed with a variety of ingredients like garlic, butter, thyme, or soy sauce to enhance their flavour.
When cooking oyster mushrooms, it's important to note that they should not be rinsed with water as they can become soggy and affect the texture. Instead, gently wipe them clean with a damp cloth or paper towel before cutting and cooking. Additionally, oyster mushrooms have a mild flavour and delicate texture, so they pair well with a variety of ingredients without overwhelming the dish.
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Frequently asked questions
Chinese mushrooms are edible mushrooms and fungi that are widely used in Chinese cuisine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). They can be used as a meat substitute and are categorised as either white or black mushrooms.
Shiitake mushrooms are a type of Chinese mushroom that are widely used in Chinese cooking. Other examples include oyster mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, and flower shiitake mushrooms.
Chinese mushrooms can be grown in a variety of ways. For example, shiitake mushrooms are typically grown on artificial substrates or hardwood logs, such as oak. Chinese people also grow shiitake on mixed wood shavings in plastic bags, which are artificially grown in a greenhouse.
Chinese mushrooms are prized for their flavour, texture, and nutritional benefits. They are a good source of dietary minerals and produce vitamin D2 when exposed to sunlight. In TCM, mushroom extract is used as an alternative medicinal and nutritional supplement.
