Dried shiitake mushroom

冬菇

strengthens the spleenwhets the appetitereplenishes qi提鮮

The dried fruiting body of the shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes), sold whole; thick caps with white fissured tops are graded up as 花菇. Drying concentrates its umami, so a few soaked mushrooms — plus their settled soaking water — give a soup deep savoury base notes and a meaty chew.

TCM properties

Nature · neutral　Flavour · sweet　Meridians · spleen、stomach

Traditional food therapy

In Cantonese food therapy dried shiitake is used to strengthen the spleen, open the appetite and support qi, besides serving as the pot's umami anchor.

Cautions — read first

Take care during a gout flare (high in purines).
Traditionally counted a 發物 (faat mat, a food said to stir up an existing condition), so people with skin conditions should take care.

Preparation

Soak until soft and cut off the stems; let the soaking water settle, then add it to the soup for extra fragrance.

Origin

浙江慶元為香菇栽培發源地；河南西峽等為現代主產；日本天白花菇為高級品 — AU stock is Chinese-brand dried shiitake (Qiancheng, Henghui; Wellsoon premium 花菇)

Availability in Australia

Common at Asian grocers · A$5.25–7 / 100g
Qiancheng 100g $5.39; Henghui Thick Winter 100g $5.39 / 200g $10.49; Sun Brand Tea Flower 100g $6.99; Wellsoon Premium 花菇 500g $34.99

Pairs well with

Dried scallop (conpoy)Fish maw (dried swim bladder)Chestnut Ginkgo nut

Soups that use this ingredient · 6

Shiitake mushroom, carrot and red date soup with lean porkA$7–12

冬菇紅蘿蔔紅棗瘦肉湯

strengthens the spleenwhets the appetitereplenishes qiAll year

百子櫃Dried shiitake mushroom· 6 to 8街市Carrot· 2百子櫃Red jujube date· 6街市Lean pork· 300 g街市Fresh ginger· 2 slices

“The pot she makes when someone needs looking after.”

Winter melon, dried shrimp and glass noodle soupNot yet surveyed (we say so honestly)

冬瓜蝦米粉絲湯（滾冬瓜湯）

clears heatdispels dampnesspromotes water metabolismSummer

街市Winter melon· about 600 g (1 catty)百子櫃Dried small shrimp· 1 to 2 tablespoons百子櫃Mung bean vermicelli· 1 bunch百子櫃Dried shiitake mushroom· 2 to 3街市Fresh ginger· 2 slices

“Heaty? Then this is the pot.”

Winter melon tureen soup with night fragrant flowersNot yet surveyed (we say so honestly)

夜香花冬瓜盅

clears heatcools internal firepromotes water metabolismSummer

街市Winter melon· 1 large section (hollowed into a tureen) or 900 g (1.5 catties)百子櫃Night fragrant flower· 75 g百子櫃Dried shiitake mushroom· to taste街市Lean pork· to taste百子櫃Dried scallop (conpoy)· to taste百子櫃Lotus seed· to taste… +3

“Heaty? Then this is the pot.”

Double-boiled chicken with American ginsengA$11–147

花旗參燉雞

replenishes qinourishes yinclears heat4h slow fireAll yearSummer

街市Fresh chicken (whole or half)· 225 g百子櫃American ginseng· 15 to 50 g街市Lean pork· 80 g百子櫃Goji berry / wolfberry· 15百子櫃Red jujube date· 5百子櫃Dried shiitake mushroom· 2… +1

“The pot she makes when someone needs looking after.”

Double-boiled soup of fish maw, dried scallop and shiitakeA$16–45

花膠瑤柱冬菇燉湯

strengthens the spleenreplenishes qinourishes yin3h slow fireAutumnWinterAll year

百子櫃Fish maw (dried swim bladder)· 20 g百子櫃Dried scallop (conpoy)· 12 g百子櫃Dried sea whelk slices· 10 g街市Pork spare ribs· 120 g街市Fresh chicken (whole or half)· 60 g百子櫃Dried shiitake mushroom· 12 g… +3

“The pot she makes when someone needs looking after.”

Double-boiled fresh chicken with abalone and conchNot yet surveyed (we say so honestly)

鮑魚螺頭燉鮮雞

nourishes yinsupports the kidneyssoothes the liver3h slow fireAutumnWinterAll year

百子櫃Abalone (dried or canned)· 30 g (1 piece)百子櫃Dried conch / sea snail head· 15 g街市Fresh chicken (whole or half)· 25 g街市Pork shin (shank)· 20 g百子櫃Dried shiitake mushroom· 30 g

“The pot she makes when someone needs looking after.”