The Shiitake is a widely versatile mushroom that has been considered a medicinal mushroom in many traditional forms of medicine, particularly in China and Japan, where they have been cultivating this restorative mushroom for thousands of years of healing. Shiitake mushrooms are high in B minerals and amino acids, and tout benefits such as boosting the immune system, lowering cholesterol and even having anti-aging properties. They can be bought fresh or dried, or taken as a supplement! 

Roasted Shiitake Mushroom

One of the greatest qualities of shiitake is their versatility. Roasting fresh shiitake is a wonderfully simple way to enjoy this special ‘shroom, whether as a side dish or a snack. The nuttiness and meatiness of this mushroom develops a crispy texture that is irresistible. Clean your shiitakes thoroughly, toss with some olive oil, salt and pepper, and throw them in the oven for 10 minutes at 400 F, and voila! 

Shiitake Stir Fry

This is a classic way to enjoy this heart healthy mushroom, and it’s endlessly customizable. Add any of your favorite veggies, like bok choy or broccoli, toss with some scallions, ginger, garlic, tamari and liquid aminos, and heat up in the wok with some sesame oil, cooking until the veggies are crisp and tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Enjoy this stir fry with some brown rice or soba noodles! Or, if you’d prefer, order Laroot’s Traditions Menu, which features shiitake twice in one week, for our delectable Singapore Stir Fry. 

Shiitake Extract Supplement

If you’re in need of solid immune system support, look no further than Superfeast’s Shiitake Mushroom Extract, which is a potent delivery of this superfood mushroom, considered a nutritional powerhouse and the elixir of life by Japanese elders. Mix it with hot water as a tea, or add to your broths or meals for a fortifying boost of healing. 

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A great opportunity to get your weekly dose of Shiitake is in our TCM Soup. Approved by our Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) advisor, Naria Diaz Chi, this Qi-enhancing vegan soup harmonizes an array of ingredients that TCM has long considered nourishing, healing, and detoxifying. To an aromatic base of nutty Shaoxing wine spiced with ginger, garlic, and white pepper, we add antioxidant-rich beech and shiitake mushrooms, immunity-boosting goji berries, and blood-sugar-regulating Chinese yam. A helping of lily bulbs promotes lung health and a dash of ginseng improves concentration.