Shiitake mushroom
For Chinese dietary therapy, Shiitake mushroom (香菇) is a food of Neutral nature and Sweet · Umami flavor. Commonly classified as neutral and used to enrich flavor and variety.
Traditional energetics
- Nature
- Neutral
- Flavor
- Sweet · Umami
- Affinity
- Spleen · Stomach
- Direction of Qi
- Neutral · tonifies Qi
- Season
- Autumn · Winter
- Group
- Mushrooms
How tradition reads it
Commonly classified as neutral and used to enrich flavor and variety.
Classic broth base with kombu or chicken to reinforce Qi; pairs well with most recipes in the collection.
In the kitchen
Soups, stir-fries, fillings, and stocks.
Commonly available dried or fresh; portobello mushroom works as a study approximation.
Current nutrition note
Contains lentinan and, when sun-dried, its vitamin D content increases.
Precautions
Cook thoroughly; some people develop dermatitis after undercooked shiitake.
Recipes with this food
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
