Shiitake are edible mushrooms native to East Asia.
They're tan to dark brown, with caps that grow between 2 and 4 inches (5 and 10 cm).
While typically eaten like vegetables, shiitake are fungi that grow naturally on decaying hardwood trees.
Shiitake are low in calories. They also offer good amounts of fibre, as well as B vitamins and some minerals.
Shiitake have an umami flavor.
Umami flavor can be described as savory or meaty. It’s often considered the fifth taste, alongside sweet, sour, bitter, and salty.
Both dried and fresh shiitake mushrooms are used in stir-fries, soups, stews, and other dishes.