This is a traditional oriental delicacy that tastes like a cross between champignons and porcini mushrooms.
Shiitake contains an active compound - eritadenine, which significantly lowers cholesterol and blood lipids. Another active component - tyrosinase, contained in the mushroom, helps to reduce blood pressure. Shiitake is able to lower both blood pressure and free cholesterol levels.
Shiitake harmoniously fit into different dishes: soups and side dishes, pies and sauces. Many connoisseurs prefer to eat them raw without additional dressings or as part of salads in combination with vegetables and herbs. But most often the product is used after heat treatment.
They can be boiled, fried, salted, pickled, dried and frozen. Soft and tender mushroom caps are eaten. Shiitake legs are tougher. They are suitable for making yoghurts, soups and sauces.
For frying, you can use fresh or pre-boiled mushrooms. Fresh after frying are crispy, and boiled - more tender. To preserve the mushroom smell, caps are separated before cooking, and the legs are cut lengthwise into several parts. Fry in oil in a hot frying pan for no more than 3-5 minutes.