Mushrooms, including shiitake mushrooms, are a healthy food choice, but they can also be a potential health hazard if not selected carefully. So, we will reveal 4 important notes to keep in mind when buying shiitake mushrooms to avoid any disappointment.
1 Shiitake Mushrooms with an Unpleasant Odor
Usually, when you bring shiitake mushrooms close to your nose, you will perceive a mild and pleasant earthy aroma that is characteristic of fresh shiitake mushrooms.
However, if you come across mushrooms with an overpowering or sour smell, they might not be fresh anymore, or the seller might have sprayed preservatives to keep them looking fresh. It is best to avoid purchasing these mushrooms.
Avoid shiitake mushrooms with an unpleasant odor
2 Abnormal Shiitake Mushroom Caps
Shiitake mushrooms that grow too quickly tend to have thinner caps, which results in a reduction of their natural flavor.
Fresh shiitake mushrooms will have firm, rounded caps with slight cracks, but these cracks should be relatively even. If the mushroom caps are not rounded and firm, or the cracks are too large, it’s best to avoid them as they might be lacking in water or nutrients.
Avoid shiitake mushrooms with thin, cracked caps
Regarding the folds under the cap, if you notice that the folds are open and there is a thin line inside, it indicates an old mushroom whose spores have already fallen out. Do not buy this type of mushroom as it has lost most of its nutritional value.
3 Black Shiitake Mushrooms
Typically, shiitake mushrooms are brownish-yellow in color. If you come across mushrooms that are either too black or too white, it is best to avoid them. Black mushrooms are usually old and have been stored for a long time. When you press them, they lack resilience and feel slightly soft.
Shiitake mushrooms are usually brownish-yellow
4 Caps Break Easily and Feel Light
Shiitake mushrooms that are treated with preservatives or stored for a long time tend to have fragile caps that break easily when touched. Additionally, when you hold a fresh shiitake mushroom in your hand, you should feel a certain weight due to the moist, fine hairs that cover the mushroom. On the other hand, if the mushroom feels light, it might have dried out after being picked, resulting in a loss of flavor.
It is recommended to choose mushrooms with thick, short stems as these mushrooms have absorbed more nutrients during their growth, making their stems thicker and shorter than usual.
Avoid shiitake mushrooms with fragile caps and a light feel
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