Shiitake / Lentinus edodes - Organic Mushroom Spawn

Shiitake Organic Mushroom Plug Spawn

Oak logs produce the highest quality mushrooms, and flushes can continue for up to seven years, however it is very adaptable to most hardwood tree species making Shiitake a good choice for beginners.

Shiitake is also very easy to identify because it is not native to Europe, and there are no native mushrooms which look similar that grow on wood. Shiitake possesses a distinctive smokey flavour, making it a great addition to casseroles, soups and oriental stir fries. The flavour and texture of outdoor natural log grown mushrooms is much superior to the Shiitake bought in the shops.
 

Season

Shiitake is capable of producing 4 flushes per year, for up to 7 years, and can flush in all seasons. The lifespan is dictated by the size of the log, and also the tree species. Dense hardwood tree species, like oak, alder, beech, or hornbeam, flush for longer when compared to softer hardwood species like willow, poplar, or birch (which is usually 2-3 years).
 

Tree Species

All hardwoods are suitable. Preferred species: Alder, Beech, Chestnut, Oak, and Hornbeam.
 

Timber Selection

Shiitake prefers limbs and boughs with a diameter of 12 to 20 cm (6”-8”). Wide trunks and stumps are not recommended.
 

Uses

Comparing the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients between foods, shiitake mushrooms are completely unique. Copper figures most prominently, with 65% of the daily value per serving, significant because copper is one of the few metallic elements accompanied by amino and fatty acids, essential to human health. Linoleic acid is one. Since the body can't synthesize copper, our diets must supply it regularly. But researchers say that not only do few people eat adequate amounts of copper-containing foods, but copper deficiency can also be a factor in coronary heart disease development.

Right behind copper is pantothenic acid and selenium, which provide 52% and 51% of the daily value, respectively. Riboflavin, niacin, zinc, and manganese play supportive roles, along with ergothioniene, an antioxidant that inhibits oxidative stress.

Shiitake mushrooms also contain strong compounds having the natural ability to discourage inflammation, tumors, "bad" bacteria, harmful viruses, and, ironically, fungus. B vitamins such as B2, B5 and B6 are part of the package, providing energy by breaking down fats, carbs, and proteins.