Emma Wilson
In anime, sparkling eyes or four-pointed star eyes are commonly known as shiitake-me in Japanese. This term originates from the shiitake mushroom, which is often decorated with decorative cuts or kazari-giri on the mushroom cap. These cuts are usually cross-shaped, but they can also be four-pointed stars. The number of stars on a mushroom in anime can indicate the level of reward or excitement of a character. In real life, cooks may cut a star into a mushroom by holding it cap-side up and using a small paring knife to make a beveled cut down the middle, revealing the white flesh.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for cutting stars into mushrooms | To create a decorative pattern, known as kazari-giri in Japanese |
| Mushroom types used | Shiitake mushrooms |
| Games | Sneaky Sasquatch |
| Function of cuts | To expose the mushroom's white flesh |
| Mushroom shape | Star-shaped with 4 or 8 points |
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What You'll Learn
Star-shaped cuts are made for aesthetic purposes
Shiitake mushrooms are known for their distinctive mushroom shape and are commonly used in Asian hot pots and other dishes. By adding decorative cuts to the mushroom caps, cooks can enhance the presentation of the dish and make it more visually interesting. The star-shaped cuts create a radiating pattern that can make the mushrooms stand out as a garnish or ingredient.
The process of creating a star-shaped cut on a mushroom involves holding the mushroom with the cap side up in the palm of your non-dominant hand. Using a small paring knife, a beveled cut is made straight down the middle, revealing the white flesh underneath. This step is then repeated on a diagonal twice, resulting in a six-pointed star shape.
While the star shape is a popular choice, other decorative cuts are also possible. Cross-shaped cuts, for example, are commonly used on shiitake mushrooms as well. These decorative mushrooms are not meant to be used purely as ornaments or decorations but are intended to be cooked and consumed.
The term "shiitake-me" in Japanese refers to sparkling eyes in anime or four-pointed star eyes. This term further emphasizes the aesthetic appeal of star-shaped cuts, as it associates the mushrooms with the excitement and sparkle depicted in anime characters' eyes.
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The cuts are called kazari-giri in Japanese
The Japanese art of decorative food cutting is called kazari-giri. This culinary technique involves carving and shaping fresh ingredients into beautiful and intricate designs, creating visually stunning dishes that are a feast for the eyes and the palate. The tradition of kazari-giri dates back centuries in Japan and was originally used by nobility to impress guests with lavish feasts adorned with elaborate food displays.
Kazari-giri is not just about creating beautiful food presentations, but also about respecting the natural beauty of the ingredients and presenting them in a way that elevates their flavour and texture. This ancient culinary technique adds to the aesthetic appeal of a dish and speaks to the skill, craftsmanship, and attention to detail of the chef. By carving fruits, vegetables, and other edible materials into shapes and designs, chefs create stunning and elaborate displays that enhance the flavours and textures of the food itself.
One popular technique used in kazari-giri is called "mukimono," which involves carefully peeling the skin of a vegetable to create intricate designs. This technique is commonly used on daikon radish, carrots, and cucumbers, and can produce stunning results when combined with other decorative cutting techniques. Another technique is called "kinton," which involves shredding a vegetable and then carefully arranging the pieces into a decorative shape, often used to create decorative flowers and leaves.
Creating stunning decorative food carvings requires specific tools and techniques. Traditional tools used in kazari-giri include a sharp knife, a vegetable peeler, a scraper, and a toothpick. However, modern chefs often prefer using specialised tools such as sharp-edged blades, chisels, and spiral cutters to produce more intricate and complex designs.
One example of kazari-giri is the star cut mushroom. To create this, you hold a mushroom with the cap-side up in the palm of your non-dominant hand. Using a small paring knife, make a bevelled cut straight down the middle, removing the portion you've cut out to reveal the white flesh. Repeat this process on the diagonal twice so that you have a star shape with six points.
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The cuts are made before cooking
When preparing mushrooms, it is recommended to cut them before cooking. This is because mushrooms tend to absorb water, so washing them before cutting may make them soggy and less flavourful. Instead, it is best to use a slightly damp paper towel to gently wipe away any dirt from the mushrooms before cutting them.
When cutting mushrooms, it is common to remove the stems, especially if they are hard, woody, or fibrous, as this can make them tough to eat. However, it is not necessary to discard the stems, as they can be used to make a tasty broth or to flavour other dishes such as risotto. To remove the stems, you can either twist them off or cut them off with a sharp paring knife.
After removing the stems, place the mushroom caps flat on a cutting board. You can then cut them into similar-sized pieces, such as 1/4-inch slices or cubes. It is important to try to keep the pieces a similar size so that they cook evenly.
Once the mushrooms are cut, you can cook them in a skillet or pan over medium heat with olive oil or butter. It is recommended to cook them in a single layer, without crowding the pan, to ensure they brown and crisp rather than steam. You can then season them with salt, pepper, garlic, lemon, thyme, or other seasonings of your choice.
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The cuts are made to the mushroom cap
Shiitake mushrooms, for example, are often adorned with decorative cuts, known as "kazari-giri" in Japanese. These cuts are typically made in the shape of a four-pointed star, giving the mushrooms a unique and visually appealing design. The term "shiitake-me" in Japanese anime refers to sparkling four-pointed star pupils, which resemble the decorative cuts on shiitake mushroom caps.
To create these decorative cuts, one must hold the mushroom with the cap-side up in the palm of their non-dominant hand. Using a small paring knife, a beveled cut is made straight down the middle, revealing the white flesh underneath. This process is repeated on the diagonal twice, resulting in a six-pointed star shape.
Additionally, cutting a star into the cap of a mushroom can serve a functional purpose. Making incisions on the cap before cooking helps to distribute heat evenly throughout the mushroom, ensuring that it cooks more thoroughly and consistently. This technique is especially useful for thicker mushrooms, as it facilitates better heat penetration.
While the star-shaped cut is a popular choice, other shapes such as crosses or X's are also commonly carved into mushroom caps. These decorative and functional cuts add a unique touch to the mushrooms, enhancing both their visual appeal and culinary applications.
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The cuts are made diagonally
When preparing mushrooms, it is important to first remove any dirt by wiping them with a damp paper towel or rinsing them under running water. Mushrooms absorb water like a sponge, so they may become mushy if rinsed. Most mushrooms need to be trimmed before cutting them. Trim off any woody or dried-out pieces of the stems.
To cut a star shape into a mushroom, hold the mushroom with the cap side up in the palm of your non-dominant hand. Using a small paring knife, make a beveled cut straight down the middle, removing the portion you've cut out to reveal the white flesh. Repeat this process twice more on a diagonal, so that you have a star shape with six points.
The diagonal cuts are important because they ensure that the star shape is symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing. The diagonal cuts also help to create a more uniform size and shape for the points of the star. This technique can be used to create a star shape in other types of produce, such as carrots, where the diagonal cuts are made in a similar manner to create a star-shaped cross-section.
When cutting mushrooms, it is also worth noting that the part of the fungus that we think of as a mushroom is its usually temporary reproductive structure. The mushroom pops up when the season and conditions are right, spreads its spores, and then decays back into the soil after a few weeks. The main body of the fungus, the mycelium, persists year-round and is not affected by whether the mushrooms are pulled or cut.
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Frequently asked questions
Cutting decorative stars into mushrooms is common before cooking them. This practice is called kazari-giri in Japanese.
Hold a mushroom with the cap-side up in the palm of your non-dominant hand. Using a small paring knife, make a beveled cut straight down the middle, removing the portion of which you’ve cut out so it reveals the white flesh. Repeat on the diagonal twice so that you have a star shape with 6 points.
Shiitake mushrooms are a type of mushroom that people commonly cut into four-pointed stars. In anime, sparkling eyes that resemble four-pointed stars are called shiitake-me.
