Lentinula edodes is an edible mushroom native to East Asia and is consumed and cultivated in many Asian countries. Lentinula edodes is more commonly known as Shiitake mushroom and has been used in various Traditional Chinese practices for centuries. Shiitake mushrooms also have a role in traditional health practices of Korea, Japan, and parts of Russia. In the 12th century, people began growing shiitake mushrooms in the mountains of central China. Shiitake mushroom cultivators would then use the plant spores from dead trees and wood logs to speed up the shiitake mushroom growth cycle. Once harvested, cultivators would use fresh and dried shiitake mushrooms for culinary and health purposes.

The Shiitake mushroom is different than most mushrooms used for supplementation because many people all over the world describe shiitake as fragrant and delicious. For those looking to take advantage of shiitake mushroom benefits, oral consumption is easy. In fact, you might even look forward to it. Learning how to cook shiitake mushrooms is very common today. People will typically use dried shiitake mushrooms and describe shiitake mushroom taste as an umami flavor. Many describe umami flavor as a ‘meaty’ or ‘savory’ taste and use both fresh and dried shiitake mushrooms in stir fries, stews, and many other dishes developed with shiitake mushroom. Today, shiitake is the second most popular cultivated mushroom in the world and consumed for its unique flavor and shiitake mushroom health benefits.


Source: Nootropics Depot