Posted on: Wednesday, July 18, 2001
Off the Shelf
Shiitake are 'winter' mushrooms
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| Dried shiitake mushrooms have a smoky flavor and a meaty texture.
Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser |
Dried black- or brown-capped mushrooms are also known as shiitake even though this name really refers to "winter" mushrooms, grown in Japan and northern China where they are harvested in the cooler months. Chinese mushrooms offer an intense smoky flavor and a meaty texture; they can be used halved or whole in stir-fried dishes, sliced or chopped in a variety of ways or even added to Western- style sauces and dishes such as risotto. The best dried mushrooms have lighter color with plump caps and usually cost more. Soak in hot water for about 20 to 30 minutes to reconstitute, then squeeze, cut off and discard the stems and cut to preferred size. Store these mushrooms in an airtight jar or in the freezer.
