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Harvest

The mushrooms can be harvested at any time by cutting or twisting the stem off of the log. However, mushrooms are best if harvested shortly after the gills are exposed (Figure 14).

Figure 14. Shiitake mushrooms store better if harvested shortly after the veil breaks and the gills are exposed. Gills are fully exposed on the left and the veil has not broken on the right.

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Storage

If you store your fresh mushrooms in the refrigerator in vegetable bags, they will last up to a month If you refrigerate them in paper bags they will eventually dry.

• You can also dry them using a food dehydrator:
• Cut off the mushroom stems before dehydration.
• Remove individual mushrooms as they become just barely flexible, but before they are crisp.
• Store dried mushrooms in a sealed plastic bag.
• Place them in the freezer for 72 hours.

You can then keep them frozen or remove them from the freezer and store them in a dry location.

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Rehydration

To rehydrate shiitake mushrooms, soak them in water or a seasoned liquid or broth for at least 30 minutes. Shiitake mushrooms absorb flavors of seasonings. They taste best when cooked with onion, leek, or garlic. They are excellent in sauces, stews, or rice, and with eggs or steak.

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