Shiitake Mushrooms
Fresh Shiitake Mushrooms grown locally in Amherst, MA
A True Kitchen Staple
Shiitake mushrooms are loved worldwide for their rich, meaty texture and robust, umami-rich flavor. They’re perfect for stir-fries, soups, and stews, adding depth to any dish with minimal effort. Their sturdy caps hold up well to all kinds of cooking, while their stems — though tough — make a delicious stock base.
Why Shiitake is So Popular
Shiitake’s deep, smoky taste means you can add it to almost anything for an instant upgrade. Sauté, grill, or dry them. Cultures that have a steady diet of mushrooms have long known the health benefits of shiitake mushrooms, which some consider the “healthiest mushroom” due to their rich nutrient profile, including copper, which other foods do not provide.
Fun Fact
Shiitake is not just a mushroom; it’s a culinary heritage. It’s one of the oldest cultivated mushrooms in the world, with over a thousand years of rich, flavorful history.
Shiitake FAQs
Should I remove the stems?
Usually yes, but save them and add umami flavor to your vegetable broths or meat stocks.
How do I clean Shiitake mushrooms?
Use a damp cloth to wipe them clean; never soak.
Can you eat them raw?
Cooking is best to bring out their full flavor, and avoid eating any mushrooms raw or undercooked.
Check out some savory recipes for shiitake mushrooms
Vegetarian Stuffed Shiitake Mushrooms
"Meaty" Stuffed Shiitake Mushrooms
Vegetarian Shiitake Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients
12–16 large shiitake mushroom caps
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup finely chopped shiitake stems
½ cup breadcrumbs or panko
⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
(or nutritional yeast for vegan)- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (optional)
2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: lemon zest, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of chili oil
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Remove stems from shiitake caps and finely chop them.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped stems and garlic; sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Transfer mixture to a bowl and stir in breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, salt, and pepper.
Arrange shiitake caps gill-side up and fill generously with stuffing.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, until tops are golden and mushrooms are tender.
Finish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon before serving.
Serving Tip
Serve warm as an appetizer, side dish, or pile them onto toasted bread for a quick mushroom crostini.
Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Shiitake Mushrooms
Ingredients
12–16 large shiitake mushroom caps
8 slices of thin-cut bacon, cut in half
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ lb (Spicy)Italian sausage (or plant-based sausage)
¼ cup onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup breadcrumbs or panko
⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
Black pepper, to taste
Optional: smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of maple syrup or honey!
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Remove stems from shiitake caps and finely chop them.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
Add chopped mushroom stems, onion, and garlic; sauté 3–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Transfer mixture to a bowl and stir in breadcrumbs, parmesan, and black pepper.
Fill each shiitake cap generously with the sausage mixture.
Wrap each stuffed cap with a half slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
Arrange mushrooms seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bacon is crisp and mushrooms are tender.
Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra crispness—watch closely.
Serving Tip
Serve hot as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or hearty side. These pair especially well with a simple green salad or a bright mustard or maple glaze for dipping.
Ready to Grow?
Bring gourmet mushrooms to your kitchen in days. Choose your favorite variety, mist daily, and harvest in about a week.
You can order online or reserve a kit for pickup at our Amherst location. We also offer free delivery for orders over $50 within the 01002 ZIP code.
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