Shiitake Mushrooms--they're good to you...treat them right

Shiitake mushrooms are one of the super foods that help with boosting your immune response so your body can fight off everything from the common cold to cancer. Please see the Savvy Sister’s blog post on mushrooms

But these mushrooms are not like button mushrooms or even portabellas.  They require some special attention.  They look a bit intimidating, but have no fear!

 

Shiitakes put the "fun" in fungi!

For all these mushroom do for you, you need to treat them right to get the most out of their goodness.

Washing and storing:

• do not wash until ready to use
• store mushroom that you don’t use from the package in a paper bag to help them breathe.  They can be stored for up to 7 days
• quickly rinse desired amount in cool water
• shake gently to remove excess water–do not soak because mushrooms easily absorb water

Simple cooking ….to sautee:

• for every 8 oz of mushrooms heat 1 TBS olive oil on med-high heat in a  large skillet. Add mushrooms. Cook stirring occasionally until golden and the released mushrooms juices have evaporated about 5 minutes.  Don’t overcrowd skillet or mushrooms will steam rather than brown.

I like to add 1/2  tsp of turmeric and 1/4 tsp Old Bay to the mushrooms while they are sautéing.  With the amazing health properties of both the mushrooms and the turmeric it’s a one-two punch to cancer risk. And the taste is great if you just want them as a side dish. I also put these atop my baked potatoes.

You can also sauté cut up, then add them to sauces or stews or soup.

So do something exotic and cook the mushrooms that will have you yelling, “Oh, shiitake!”