Shiitake mushrooms are a meaty-flavored mushroom that have been long prized by the Chinese for their culinary and medicinal value.

Fresh shiitakes are delicious stir-fried, sauteed, or marinated and grilled. Dried shiitakes can be reconstituted by soaking in hot water for about 20 minutes.

Shiitake mushrooms contain powerful cancer-fighting phytonutrients including lentinan (a beta-glucan) and L-ergothioneine as well as ergosterol, which can be converted by sunlight into vitamin D.

Choose plump mushrooms with no signs of sliminess. Store fresh shiitake mushrooms in a paper bag in the crisper of the refrigerator. Store dried shiitake in a cool, dark place.