Shiitake mushrooms, also known as Chinese black mushrooms, are a type of edible mushroom that is native to East Asia, but can also be found in Canada. They are commonly grown in the wild on hardwood trees such as maple and oak and can also be cultivated on logs or sawdust.

Shiitake mushrooms are known for their rich, savory taste and are commonly used in Asian cuisine. They are a great source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They also have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

An apothecary might suggest eating shiitake mushrooms for their medicinal properties, as they contain compounds such as lentinan, which has been shown to have anti-tumor effects. They can be eaten in various forms, such as fresh, dried, or powdered, and can be used in soups, stir-fries, and as a meat substitute.

One of the unique aspect of the shiitake is the chitin, a type of fiber that gives shiitake a meat-like texture, which makes it a great alternative to meat in dishes such as pork beans and spreads.

At Magic Tingwick, we harvested shiitake mushrooms in our forest during the summer months, they grow after the rain on maple log. We created two delicious and healthy recipes that replace pork with shiitake mushrooms, the Shiitake pork beans and the Shiitake spread. Both dishes keep the traditional taste of the sugar shack but in a healthier way.

In conclusion, shiitake mushrooms are a delicious and nutritious edible mushroom that can not be found in the wild in Canada and but grow well in our forest when harvested on maple log. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, and have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. They also have a meat-like texture due to the presence of chitin, which makes them a great alternative to meat in traditional dishes such as pork beans and spreads. Enjoy the Sugar Shack with two tasteful plant-based options.