Gourmet mushrooms · Grown in Lexington, KY

Shiitake mushrooms

Umbrella-shaped brown caps with deep umami and a smoky aroma.

Lentinula edodesIn the farm store$10.00 / ½ lb · $20.00 / lb

Order fresh Shiitake All gourmet mushrooms

Flavor: Deep, savory umami with a smoky aroma
Texture: Firm and pleasantly chewy
Best for: Broths, stir-fries and ramen
Keeps: 5–7 days fresh

Savory, meaty, and deeply rooted in culinary tradition

Shiitake Mushrooms—known scientifically as Lentinula edodes—are among the most beloved mushrooms in global cuisine. Recognized for their wide, umbrella-like brown caps and rich aromatic flavor, shiitakes have played a central role in East Asian cooking and culture for centuries.

With their signature umami depth and pleasantly chewy texture, shiitakes elevate everything from broths and stir-fries to sauces, noodles, and roasted dishes.

Appearance & flavor

Shiitake Mushrooms are known for:

Broad, dark brown caps with a lightly textured surface
Cream-colored gills on the underside
Firm, slightly chewy texture that softens beautifully when cooked
Deep, savory, umami-rich flavor
A natural, smoky aroma when sautéed or roasted

Their meaty bite makes shiitakes especially popular for plant-forward and vegetarian dishes where rich flavor is key.

How to use shiitake mushrooms

Shiitakes shine across many cooking methods and formats, both fresh and dried. Popular uses include:

Fresh cooking

Sauté sliced shiitakes with garlic, ginger, or scallions
Add to stir-fries for depth and texture
Toss into noodle dishes, rice bowls, and vegetable medleys
Roast whole caps for a concentrated, smoky flavor
Use stems (when tender) for extra chew or to flavor stocks

Soups & broths

Add fresh or dried shiitakes to ramen, miso soup, hot pot, or pho
Dried shiitakes provide a powerful umami boost when simmered

Pasta & risotto

Combine with cream, butter, or herbs for earthy, aromatic dishes
Excellent in mushroom-forward pastas that need a rich base

Sauces & marinades

Cook down with soy sauce, mirin, or sesame oil for savory glazes
Blend into sauces for deeper umami undertones

Dried shiitakes

Rehydrate to create richly flavored broths or braising liquids
Use rehydrated mushrooms in dumplings, stir-fries, and stews

Storage & shelf life

Shiitakes keep well in both fresh and dried formats, making them easy to use year-round.

Fresh

Store in a paper bag or breathable container
Avoid sealed plastic, which traps moisture
Best used within 5–7 days

Dried

Store in airtight jars or bags
Keep away from heat and humidity
Maintain quality for many months to over a year

Frozen (after lightly cooking)

Sauté before freezing to preserve texture
Store in airtight freezer-safe containers
Keeps well for several months

Shiitakes' versatility, texture, and long shelf life make them a staple in kitchens that love bold, savory ingredients.

Good to know

Questions, answered.

What do shiitake mushrooms taste like?

Shiitakes have a deep, savory umami flavor and a natural smoky aroma when sautéed or roasted. Their firm, slightly chewy texture softens beautifully as they cook.

How do you store shiitake mushrooms?

Fresh shiitakes keep 5–7 days in a paper bag or breathable container in the fridge. Dried shiitakes keep for many months in an airtight jar away from heat and humidity.

Any tips for cooking shiitake mushrooms?

Remove the tough ends of the stems when using fresh shiitakes—they're great for stocks but can be fibrous in quick-cooked dishes.

Where can I buy shiitake mushrooms near Lexington, KY?

Order shiitake mushrooms from our online farm store for local delivery in Lexington and Winchester. You can also find our fresh mushrooms at Full Circle Market in Winchester and Dodd's Corner Farmers Market in Nicholasville. What's available changes with each harvest.

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