Shiitake
Lentinula edodes
A rich, savoury wood-loving mushroom that rewards patience. Blocks brown and firm before fruiting, and a cold trigger brings on flushes.
Growing requirements at a glance
- Scientific name
- Lentinula edodes
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Colonisation temp
- 20 to 27°C
- Fruiting temp
- 10 to 18°C
- Substrate
- Supplemented hardwood sawdust
- Flavour
- Rich, savoury, umami
Overview
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is one of the most popular gourmet mushrooms worldwide, known for its deep, savoury, umami flavour. It grows on wood and takes more time than oysters, but the results are worth the wait.
Growing conditions
Colonise supplemented hardwood sawdust blocks at 20 to 27°C. After colonising, the block needs to brown and firm up over several weeks before it will fruit. Trigger fruiting with a cold water soak or a temperature drop, then fruit at about 10 to 18°C with fresh air.
In the kitchen
Shiitake has a meaty texture and a strong savoury taste that deepens when dried. Remove the tougher stems or use them for stock. Always cook shiitake fully, as it is not eaten raw.
Grower tips
Patience during the browning stage is the difference between a weak grow and a strong one. A longer, complete colonisation gives better flushes.
