Ah, Ms. Shiitake. That mysterious, exotic, elegant lady stemming all the way from the Far East.
The Shiitake mushroom is originally from Japan, where it grows on trees in the wild. It is the second most widely grown mushroom in the world after the White mushroom.
Shiitakes vary in colour from light to very dark brown, but can be recognised by their flat cap, open veils and distinctive smell.
The Shiitake tastes as deliciously spicy as it smells. It has a soft, spongy quality, producing a woodsy flavour and texture when cooked.