Shiitake Mushroom Soup Recipe | The Gracious Pantry (2024)

FAQs

Is dried shiitake better than fresh for soup? ›

Why use dried shiitake instead of fresh? Dried shiitake mushrooms offer a more concentrated umami flavor and meatier texture compared to fresh, enhancing the depth and richness of various dishes.

Shiitake are rich in polysaccharides like lentinans and other beta-glucans. These compounds protect against cell damage, help your immune system, and boost white blood cell production for fighting off microbes. Polysaccharides also have anti-inflammatory properties.

These stems are notoriously woody and tough to chew. For an enjoyable culinary adventure, it's best to remove the shiitake stems before cooking. But don't toss it away! It can be popped into the freezer and saved to make a delicious mushroom stock!

Dr Josh Axe, a US-based clinical nutritionist, also says that Shiitake mushrooms can lower blood pressure. “Shiitake mushrooms also contain potent phytonutrients that help keep cells from sticking to blood vessel walls and forming plaque buildup, which maintains healthy blood pressure and improves circulation.”

How to tell if shiitake mushrooms are bad. Shiitake mushrooms can go bad quickly, so it's important to check them before cooking. Throw the mushrooms if they are slimy or the underside of the caps are darker than when you bought them. If you notice any brown or dark spots, then it means the mushrooms are decaying.

Originating from the lush mountain regions of East Asia, shiitake mushrooms have traversed centuries and continents, captivating palates and health enthusiasts alike. With their distinct umami flavor and growing reputation as a superfood, these fungi have become a darling of both culinary and wellness circles.

To maximize shelf life, these should be kept in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, away from direct light and sources of moisture. However, some varieties, like porcini and shiitake, may retain their quality for up to two years.

While Portobello mushrooms are high in iron, potassium and vitamin D, no one ranks them as highly as the Shiitake variety for health. Cultures around the world prize Shiitake mushrooms for their health benefits, including warding off heart disease.

Is shiitake mushroom high in uric acid? Shiitake mushrooms are not high in uric acid – they actually have a relatively low purine content compared to other foods. Purines are substances that are broken down into uric acid in the body.

Studies have reported that b-glucan can increase satiety, reduce food intake, delay nutrition absorption and reduce plasma lipid (fat) levels. The researchers concluded by suggesting that shiitake mushrooms can help prevent body weight gain, fat deposition and plasma triacylglycerol when added to a high-fat diet.

What does shiitake mushroom do for the body? ›

Shiitake mushroom is a fungus. An extract made from this mushroom is used as medicine. Shiitake mushroom is used for boosting the immune system, lowering blood cholesterol levels, treating prostate cancer, and as an anti-aging agent. Shiitake mushroom is also eaten as food.

Mushrooms contain high amounts of selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B6. Selenium can help prevent cell damage in our bodies, vitamin D helps with cell growth, and vitamin B6 helps our bodies form red blood cells. All of these nutrients in mushrooms help to maintain a healthy immune system.