Shiitake healing mushroom

The shiitake mushroom grows on dead trees. Its medicinal effects have been known since antiquity and during the Ming dynasty it was actually considered to be “the elixir of the life”. Its exquisite fragrance confers a fine flavor to soups or rice dishes. It can be bought either fresh or dry. This delight hides a great deal of potential healing power!

The chemical analysis of a shiitake mushroom shows that it contains more than 50 different enzymes. Enzymes have a primary role in metabolism. They regulate many biochemical processes such as digestion. This mushroom is also very rich in vitamins and minerals (potassium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, magnesium, calcium, etc.), and contains a substance that stimulates vascular circulation. Found in its lamellae are substances that act upon the immune system and protect against viral diseases. In the long run and if consumed with some frequency, it lowers the level of cholesterol, increases vitality and awakens the libido.

Preparation

Put the dried mushrooms to soak for 20 minutes, until they return to their original texture. The more they soak, the less time they need to be cooked. Remove the stem and cut the flesh into slices of the desired size and add them to the dish. Do not throw out the soaking water, as it contains medicinal substances. One or two mushrooms per person are normally added to the dish.

Fresh shiitake mushrooms are cooked in the same way as all other mushrooms.