Shiitake mushrooms are frequently considered medicinal. They are known to have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties and provide B-complex vitamins. These popular ’shrooms hail from Asia, but are commonly cultivated in the U.S. as they are a simpler mushroom to grow. Cultivated on soaked oak logs, farmers can harvest shiitakes for a few years depending on log size and formation. Because of their smoky, earthy flavor and chewy texture, shiitakes work well in recipes that call for ‘wild mushrooms.’ Boil with veggies to make a mushroom broth to use in ramen or other Asian soups; pickle; pan sear with garlic and bok choy and top a rice bowl.
Local
Kennet Square, PA
Lou Caputo and Herb Guest had humble beginnings working for prominent mushroom growers of their teen years. Their first business venture in 1977, with a little financial help from their parents, was the purchase of a small mushroom growing plant in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania consisting of 3 growing ‘doubles’. This was their opportunity of a lifetime. Over the years, continually leveraging profits and investing them back into operations, their business slowly and steadily expanded.
By 1990 they were managing 12 mushroom houses and a packaging / processing facility. In the early 90’s, as the white mushroom business began to show signs of fierce competitiveness, they had the vision to venture into the then budding exotic mushroom business, growing initially shiitake and later oyster and maitake mushrooms. Their constant focus on quality and efficiency continues to ensure KSS Sales’ strong industry presence.