What does Shiitake taste like? Five people share their experiences

Shiitake ( Lentinula edodes ) is one of the most popular mushrooms in the world – it is valued not only in cooking, but also in the field of health. But what does a shiitake mushroom really taste like? Does its taste vary depending on a person's experience and taste? We invited five fictional mushroom enthusiasts to share their opinions! 🍄

1. Anna, 28 years old, vegetarian and adherent of a healthy diet

"To me, shiitake tastes like a combination of mushroom and nut. When I fry them in a pan with olive oil and garlic, the flavor becomes even more pronounced – kind of buttery, but with a nutty note. It's one of my favorite mushrooms because it gives depth and richness to the dish, which is especially important when I'm not using meat!"

2. Jānis, 45 years old, restaurant chef

"Shiitake is a real taste adventure! Fresh, they are juicy and have a slightly spicy aftertaste that reminds me of dried meat. Dried shiitake, on the other hand, acquires an even more intense flavor – like an umami bomb that can turn any broth into a deep, rich, and flavorful dish. I often use them in ramen soup and Italian risotto – the result is always excellent!"

3. Zane, 34 years old, a new mother looking for healthy foods for her family

"To be honest, I was skeptical at first because I didn't like mushrooms as a child. But when I tasted shiitake in a soup with coconut milk and curry, I realized that they are surprisingly tender and pleasantly aromatic. I think the taste is somewhere between hazelnuts and fried onions, only with a richer aftertaste. Now even my child eats shiitake because they are juicy and a bit like meat!"

4. Viktor, 60 years old, mushroom picker and nature lover

"I think shiitake is like a natural delicacy. They are not like Latvian forest mushrooms – no bitter aftertaste, no overly strong earthy notes. Instead – a pleasant, slightly sweet and nutty aroma, especially when grilled with butter and garlic. I have grown them myself on logs, and, in my opinion, shiitake grown in Latvia are denser and have a stronger flavor than imported ones."

5. Elza, 22 years old, student and fast food fan

"To be honest, the first time I tasted shiitake was when my friend ordered sushi with shiitake filling. I thought – wow, what an interesting flavor profile! It wasn't like a regular mushroom, more like something between dried meat and nuts, with a slight smoky flavor. Now I make my own pasta with shiitake and soy sauce – it's the best combination I've found!"

Conclusion – everyone has their own shiitake experience!

As you can see, the taste of shiitake mushrooms is associated with different things for different people – some people associate it with nuts, others with meat, and still others even feel a slight sweetness. They can be enjoyed in many ways – fresh, dried, grilled, or in soups. And each time they reveal new flavor nuances!

How do you like shiitake? Share your experience in the comments! 🍄😋