In China, it is called “the emperor’s mushroom” and “the elixir of life”. Such high-profile titles are by no means an exaggeration, because shiitake was delivered to the imperial court from ancient times, and its healing power was exalted to the heavens.
Yesterday and today
The first mention of shiitake and its miraculous properties dates back to 199. And in the 10th century, it became the first mushroom that began to be cultivated artificially, using a special technology. In China and Japan, it was grown on the trunks of the shi tree, which actually gave the mushroom its name. Ancient healers, carefully studying the effect of shiitake on the human body, to their surprise found a lot of useful qualities. It turned out that these mushrooms help treat respiratory diseases, clear the liver of harmful substances, improve blood circulation, relieve fatigue and increase vitality, as well as slow down the internal and external aging processes.
These and many other advantages are also possessed by modern shiitake varieties, however, with an important correction. Today, several cultures of these fungi are distinguished. In medicine and cosmetology, a special medicinal variety of mushrooms is used, nondescript in appearance and bitter in taste. And those shiitake, which can be seen in restaurant dishes and on supermarket shelves, are grown using a simplified technology. And although they have an attractive appearance and excellent taste, their benefits for the body are reduced many times. It is also worth considering that with prolonged heat treatment, mushrooms lose their valuable properties.
Wellness from the inside out
This shiitake contains dozens of different vitamins and minerals, essential amino acids, fatty acids, dietary fiber and polysaccharides. In particular, a special polysaccharide lentinan, which can suppress the development of cancer cells, as well as fight influenza viruses and hepatitis. By regularly consuming shiitake, you can cleanse the body of toxins, heavy metal salts and radionuclides, and at the same time thoroughly strengthen the immune defense. The useful substances of the mushroom activate the brain and nervous system, help to fight the chronic fatigue syndrome. Shiitake also has a beneficial effect on the circulatory system, helping to strengthen the heart muscle, the elasticity of blood vessels and purify the blood from cholesterol. There were also confirmations that shiitake helps to treat male infertility.
This mushroom is perfectly combined with many products. However, for maximum effect, it is recommended to eat it raw. Shiitake experts say that the most delicious mushroom is the one with intricate patterns of cracks on the cap. Shiitake can also be drunk in the form of medicinal decoctions or taken as dietary supplements. However, it is important to consider some limitations. This mushroom should not be eaten by pregnant and nursing mothers, patients with bronchial asthma, as well as in the presence of intolerance to certain components. Be that as it may, if you plan to use shiitake for medicinal purposes, be sure to enlist the advice of a doctor.
Transformation from the outside
Shiitake may well supplement the diet of those who care about perfect forms and irresistible beauty. Japanese scientists have experimentally found that people who eat shiitake, there is a stable weight loss. It turned out that these mushrooms improve carbohydrate metabolism, activate the work of all digestive organs, and also help to cleanse the intestines. In addition, in the composition of shiitake, special components were found that promote the burning of fat deposits.
Chinese healers discovered several centuries ago that the extract of this mushroom makes the skin extremely elastic and smooth, giving it an even matte shade. It is no coincidence that many modern cosmetics companies add a shiitake-based extract to their skin care products. The enzymes present in it contribute to the effective removal of dead epithelial cells, and the already mentioned lentinan “triggers” the regeneration of new cells. Coenzyme Q10 promotes the full absorption of oxygen and nutrients, at the same time, cleanses the skin from free radicals. Shiitake-based cosmetics gently relieve skin irritation, treat acne and ulcers, reduce sebum production and make the skin beautiful and well-groomed.
How to properly cook shiitake?
In China, a favorite dish with shiitake is “Buddha’s Delight”. It is prepared from mushrooms with the addition of bamboo shoots, lily buds, ginko nuts and other exotic products that grow exclusively in the Middle Kingdom. However, in traditional Russian recipes, shiitake looks no less organic. The quickest and most affordable recipe is to fry the shiitake for a few minutes in oil with salt and garlic, then add it to rice, stew or vegetables. If you sweat a little shiitake in sour cream sauce, you will get an original side dish with an unusual, but very pleasant taste. Shiitake is also good when cooked, the main thing is not to overdo it in boiling water. A couple of minutes will be enough. And to improve the taste, in addition to salt, you need to put crushed garlic cloves and dill seeds in water. An interesting variation will turn out if you add a handful of peanuts to the mushrooms fried in oil, your favorite spices to taste and keep the mixture on low heat for a couple of minutes. This snack can be consumed separately or combined with rice and fresh herbs. Shiitake can be safely put in vegetable soups and meat broths, doing this at the final stage. Remember that these mushrooms are cooked quickly and at gentle temperatures. Otherwise, they will become rubbery and lose their refined taste notes.
Shiitake is a great addition to your everyday dishes and a very good find for an original holiday menu. Experiment with new flavors and share your discoveries.