How to choose high-quality mushrooms when buying shiitake mushrooms

The selection of high-quality shiitake mushrooms mainly depends on their appearance, aroma, texture, and gill state. High quality shiitake mushrooms have the characteristics of thick mushroom caps, fragrant aroma, dry and compact texture, neat and white gills, etc.

1. Appearance

The optimal diameter for the cap is 3-6 centimeters, with a hemispherical or flattened circular shape, and the edges rolled inward without cracking. The surface color is uniformly light brown to dark brown, with natural texture. Avoid choosing mushrooms with black or white color. The stem is short and thick, tightly connected to the cap, with a length not exceeding one-third of the cap diameter, and no signs of insect infestation or mechanical damage.

2. Odor

Fresh shiitake mushrooms have a strong fungal aroma, similar to the natural scent of forest soil. If you smell a sour, moldy, or chemical odor, it may indicate that it has deteriorated or been treated improperly. Dried shiitake mushrooms should retain their original rich aroma and should not have pungent odors.

III. Touch

High quality fresh shiitake mushrooms have a slightly cool and elastic feel, and can quickly rebound after pressing. The surface is dry and non stick to the hands, and there is no mucus oozing from the back of the cap. Dried shiitake mushrooms should have a hard texture, produce a crisp sound when colliding with each other, have a moisture content controlled below 13%, and be crushed into uniform granules.

Fourthly, the gills on the back of the cap should be arranged densely and neatly, with a white or light yellow color being preferred. If black, adhered or moldy folds are found, it indicates that the storage time is too long. The edges of the gills of fresh shiitake mushrooms should be intact and undamaged, while the gills of dried shiitake mushrooms should remain upright and not collapse.

V. Packaging

Pre packaged products need to be checked for production date, shelf life, and SC certification mark. Vacuum packaged shiitake mushrooms should have no air leakage, and transparent packaging can visually observe the quality. Loose shiitake mushrooms should avoid contact with damp environments and pay attention to the hygiene conditions of the storage environment.

It is recommended to wrap fresh shiitake mushrooms in kraft paper and refrigerate them for daily storage. They should be consumed within 3 days. Dried shiitake mushrooms should be sealed and stored away from light. Soak in warm water for 30 minutes before use. Retaining the moisture from soaking dried mushrooms during cooking can enhance their flavor, and pairing them with chicken, vegetables, and other ingredients can better release the umami substances such as guanosine in mushrooms. Special populations such as gout patients should control their intake, and those with allergies should be cautious when consuming for the first time.