Shiitake

Lentinula edodes

Savory Hearty Umami-Rich Slow Fruiting

High in dietary fiber

Supports immune health and cardiovascular function

Contains lentinan — a beta-glucan with medicinal value

Excellent source of plant-based copper and selenium

About Shiitake

Shiitake mushrooms are prized worldwide for their bold umami flavor and health-promoting compounds. With firm texture and meaty density, they’re a versatile ingredient in both Eastern and Western cuisines. Unlike faster-growing oyster varieties, Shiitake takes its time — developing dense, flavorful caps over weeks, making it ideal for chefs seeking intensity and structure. At Kansas City Mushroom Co., we grow our Shiitake on sterilized hardwood sawdust blocks for superior quality and shelf life.

Flavor & Texture

Shiitake mushrooms deliver rich, savory umami with subtle smoky and earthy notes. The texture is dense, slightly chewy, and holds up well in broths, sautés, and stir-fries. When cooked, the flavor deepens — making them a staple in ramen, risotto, or roasted vegetable dishes.

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Recipes Overview Growing

Recipes

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Overview

High

Protein

Rich

B Vitamins

Low

Calories

Antioxidant

Fights inflamation

Culinary Uses

Excellent sautéed with garlic and salt

Fry crispy and use as a bacon alternative

Perfect with Risottos and Egg Dishes

Delicious in soups and broths

Growing

Growing Conditions

Thrives on hardwood substrates like oak or maple
Prefers temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C)
Requires high humidity (90-95%) for proper development
Needs indirect light and good air exchange

Harvesting

Pink Oysters are ready when their vibrant pink caps fan out and begin to flatten, but before the edges fade or curl. The color dulls rapidly after harvest, so timing is key for market appeal. Cut entire clusters at the base with a clean blade. Handle carefully — these mushrooms are delicate and best eaten fresh within 2 days for optimal flavor and texture.

Lifecycle

Pink Oysters grow fast — really fast. Once introduced to a suitable substrate, the mycelium races through colonization. Fruiting kicks off within days of exposure to fresh air and humidity. Clusters burst forth in vivid pink waves, maturing within a week. The entire cycle — from inoculation to harvest — typically takes 11–18 days.

Growth Timeline

Inoculation Day 0
Substrate is inoculated with spores
Colonization 4-8 days
Mycelium rapidly spreads through substrate
Pinning 9-11 days
First mushroom pins appear
Harvest 12-18 days
Clusters mature; ready for harvest