Shiitake Mushrooms Weight Loss Diet Nutrition Tips Guide

Shiitake Mushrooms In Vegetarian Dishes

By Veronica Tripplethorn

Number three of the most widely produced of the mushrooms after the button and oyster are the shiitake mushrooms, with the American market being the fastest growing of them all.

Although they have been used extensively in the Asian culture for years for both their culinary and medicinal benefits, there has been an increase in the popularity of growing mushrooms in recent years.

The culinary and medicinal shiitake mushrooms are dark brown in color, umbrella shaped and are a major source of protein in Japan, as well as being a major food staple in China.

Used As A Meat Substitute In Vegetarian Dishes

The shiitake mushroom has been grown commercially in the US for over 25 years and is becoming more and more popular in the gourmet markets. They have been used in vegetarian dishes as a meat substitute because of their meaty texture and full bodied flavor.

These organic mushrooms wholesale for about $5.00 to $9.00 a pound and those who grow them will normally receive about $5.00 to $7.00 for well formed and fresh mushrooms. For those who are interested in growing these organic shiitake mushrooms on a large scale, there is normally a large initial investment involved.

Growing Your Own Mushrooms

The shiitake mushroom is a good choice because this variety can be grown very well in an artificial environment; however, if you run a large operation you will generally need compressed grain or sawdust logs, as well as large climate controlled locations in which to do so, thus a larger initial investment.

However, on a smaller scale these all natural mushrooms are easier to grow as it can be done on white oaks logs in a shaded forest setting.

Hardwood And Pine Tree Forests Are Perfect For Growing Mushrooms

A shady location is needed to stack and store the logs and the growing area needs enough area to be able to move the logs, load the trucks and perform any other operations that are necessary to the production of the organic mushrooms.

At least 60% shade is needed, which is why hardwood and pine tree forests are good, as the hardwoods provide shade during the hot months and the pines provide continuous shade.

Need Plenty Of Water

Of course, just as with everything else there are risk factors involved in the production and cultivation of shiitake mushrooms, such as pest damages, marketing challenges and bad weather.

You need to review your options and have plenty of water or moisture during the growing months of summer, as it is vital for a good quality product. Any dry extended periods will negatively impact the growing of these mushrooms and will yield a lower quality crop, which means lower prices when they are sold.

Please Note: All information given on this site is for general information purposes and is not to replace any medical opinion or medical diagnosis given by a qualified medical doctor, a dietitian/nutritional expert or any other medical expert, as individual circumstances may vary. Please see your medical doctor, before any action is taken to alleviate symptoms.

This Article was about Shiitake Mushrooms.

About the Author:
Veronica Tripplethorn is an author of health, nutrition, dieting and weight loss articles including Celiac Disease, Holistic Health, Hollywood 48-Hour Miracle Diet, Massage Therapy.
Keep a lookout for more of her articles coming soon.

More Facts About Mushrooms...

How should I ingest medicinal mushrooms?
If you are already a fan of mushrooms then you have been ingesting medicinal mushrooms for a long time. You can easily cook with them, serve them raw or enjoy them steeped in a broth. Mushrooms can be a side dish or it can easily be the main dish.

Most vegetarians will attest that a portabella mushroom "burger" sans meat is just as hearty and satisfying as a real hamburger patty. The difference is that instead of ingesting an animal product that has high amount s of fat, depending on the leanness of the meat, you are instead ingesting a very healthy and potentially lifesaving mushroom.