Dried Shiitake Mushroom Slices · Immune Support · 50g

Dried shiitake mushrooms for deeper flavour

Why cook with dried Shiitake?

Shiitake, Lentinula edodes, has been grown on logs in Japan and China for centuries, and drying is one of the oldest ways to keep it. Drying concentrates its savoury character, so dried shiitake mushrooms often taste fuller than fresh ones. In Chinese the mushroom is called Xiang Gu, which you will see on our bag. A 50g pack goes further than it looks, because the mushrooms swell as they soak.

How do I rehydrate dried Shiitake?

Rinse the mushrooms briefly to remove any dust. Put them in a bowl, cover with warm water and leave for 20 to 30 minutes, until the caps are soft all the way through. Thicker caps may need a little longer. Lift them out and squeeze gently. Cut off the stalks, which stay tough, and slice the caps. Pour the soaking liquid through a fine sieve or a piece of kitchen paper to catch any grit, and keep it. That dark, fragrant liquid is a ready-made stock.

What can I cook with them?

Dried Shiitake are a favourite of vegan and vegetarian cooks because they bring depth to dishes that have no meat stock. Here are a few ways to use a bag:

• Ramen and noodle soup: simmer sliced caps in the broth and add the soaking liquid.
• Stir-fries: add the sliced caps with garlic and ginger for a chewy, meaty bite.
• Stews and braises: drop them into a slow-cooked dish with soy sauce and star anise.
• Risotto: use the strained soaking liquid as part of the stock.

How should I store them?

Keep unopened and opened bags airtight, somewhere cool and dry and away from direct sunlight. Once you have opened the bag, seal it well or move the mushrooms into a jar with a tight lid. Rehydrated Shiitake behave like fresh mushrooms: keep them covered in the fridge and use them within a day or two. The soaking liquid can be chilled too, or frozen in an ice-cube tray for later.

Dried, powder or capsules?

Dried Shiitake are for cooks who want texture as well as flavour. If you want the taste without the soaking, our Shiitake mushroom powder stirs straight into a pan. If you would rather not taste Shiitake at all, there are Shiitake capsules too. Shiitake has long been valued in traditional East Asian practice as well as in cooking, which is why we offer it in all three forms.

Why buy from us?

We are a UK store, so there are no import fees or long waits for an overseas parcel. At £4.50 the bag is an easy add-on to any order, and UK delivery is free when you spend over £30. Pair it with other mushrooms from our dried mushrooms range, such as Wood Ear or Nameko, for a richer mixed broth.