Where and how do shiitake mushrooms grow?
Shiitake mushrooms thrive on deciduous trees, particularly the Pasania tree, from which they owe their German name, Pasaniapilz (pasania mushroom)—but also their Chinese name. "Shii" means "Pasania." The delicate shiitake mushroom, with its light to dark brown, slightly flaky cap, can be found growing wild in the forests of China and Japan. Its cap measures approximately 5-12 cm in diameter and is relatively evenly round. Its scientific name, Leninula, comes from the Latin "lentus," meaning flexible or tough, and refers to the mushroom's flexible stem.
Origin, cultivation and use of the shiitake mushroom
Although the shiitake mushroom originates from Asia, it is now cultivated commercially worldwide. In China, it has even been cultivated since 1000 AD! There, it has been valued since ancient times not only as a medicinal mushroom, but also as an edible mushroom. Today, the shiitake mushroom is the most commonly consumed edible mushroom in the world after the button mushroom. This may be due primarily to its particularly strong, spicy aroma, which has even been given its own name: umami, which can be perceived by the tongue buds as the fifth taste alongside the basic tastes of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. It is more palatable than its more expensive competitor, and its low energy value makes it an attractive food in calorie-conscious cuisine. Its distinctive aroma, slightly reminiscent of leek, lends a spicy flavor to a vegetable stir-fry, for example. Shiitake extracts can even be used in skin care. A face mask made from fresh mushrooms is just as beneficial as shiitake mushroom powder made into a spreadable mass.
Ingredients of the shiitake mushroom
The constituents of the shiitake mushroom are attracting increasing scientific interest. It contains high levels of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Studies are particularly focused on the properties of the shiitake mushroom's own polysaccharide lentinan. Furthermore, shiitake mushrooms contain some of the B vitamins, which are relatively rare in nature, as well as a variety of minerals, including potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc, as well as the provitamin D ergosterol and seven of the eight essential amino acids for humans. Its high nutrient density of minerals, trace elements, and vitamins distinguishes the shiitake mushroom as a valuable medicinal mushroom.
Shiitake: You can buy these dosage forms from Hawlik:
As with all medicinal plants, the concentration of constituents in untreated mushrooms can vary considerably. Therefore, standardized processing, as ensured with Hawlik medicinal mushroom products, is recommended for the use and dosage of shiitake mushrooms.
In our shop you can buy Shiitake in the following dosage forms:
Shiitake powder capsules
The "classic" product, derived from the natural mushroom. Each capsule contains 420 mg of shiitake powder, ground from hand-picked and gently dried fruiting bodies. Dosage: Take two shiitake powder capsules twice daily with plenty of liquid with meals.
Shiitake extract capsules
Highly concentrated dosage through extraction to 30% polysaccharides. With an extra dose of vitamin C from the addition of acerola, which increases the human body's ability to absorb the mushroom. The polysaccharides in our extract exhibit particularly high bioavailability for the human body due to their processing. Each capsule contains 300 mg of medicinal mushroom extract and 40 mg of acerola extract. Dosage: Take two shiitake extract capsules twice daily with plenty of liquid with meals.
Shiitake organic extract and powder capsules
Our customer favorite combines the benefits of a high-dose extract and a natural powder. Each vegetable capsule contains 250 mg of shiitake extract, 150 mg of shiitake powder, and 8.5 mg of natural vitamin C. Dosage: Take two capsules twice daily with plenty of liquid, morning and noon, with meals.
Shiitake liquid extract
Highly concentrated with 40% polysaccharides and easy to swallow. With added vitamin C, potassium, and zinc for a balanced immune system and to protect cells from oxidative stress.
Dosage: 2.5 ml of shiitake liquid extract twice daily with meals – pure or diluted in a glass of water.
Shiitake powder
Ideal for mixing into other foods or for direct consumption. Made from whole, gently dried, and ground fruit bodies. Dosage: Add 1-2 level scoops of shiitake powder to plenty of liquid daily and drink. Alternatively, the powder can also be mixed into food. One scoop corresponds to approximately 2 g of powder.
Dried shiitake
Whole, stemless heads of the finest quality, hand-picked. Gently dried for further processing. A highly aromatic mushroom, shiitake mushrooms are a wonderful addition not only to Asian cuisine, but also to pasta, salads, and even classic German dishes such as cheese spaetzle or bread dumplings with mushrooms.
