Shiitake
Shiitake mushrooms (species Lentinus edodes) are Asian forest mushrooms that grow on rotting wood logs. Native to East Asia and cultivated in Japan and China for centuries, the Japanese name shiitake comes from shii, one of the hardwood trees that the mushrooms grow on, and take, or mushroom. Shiitakes are the third most cultivated mushroom worldwide, just behind the white button mushroom and oyster mushroom.
Compounds in shiitakes may help fight cancer, boost immunity and support heart health.
They're tan to dark brown in color and the caps usually grow to between 2 and 4 inches (5 and 10 centimeters).While typically used as vegetables, shiitakes are actually a fungus that grows naturally on decaying hardwood trees. They're also widely grown. Eighty-three percent of shiitakes are grown in Japan, although the U.S., Canada, Singapore and China also produce them. Shiitake mushrooms are brown-capped mushrooms used around the world for food and as supplements.
Traditionally, shiitake mushrooms are grown on deadwood logs, a time-intensive process that yields a high-quality mushroom. Over the past few decades, alternative techniques for cultivating shiitake mushrooms have emerged, using waste products such as corncobs and sunflower seed hulls as growing media. In addition to the farmed shiitakes you’ll find at the grocery store, shiitakes and other members of the Lentinus genus (including some native to the United States) can be foraged as wild mushrooms.
Benefit:
1. May strengthen your bones: Compounds in shiitake have antimicrobial properties, though you’re unlikely to gain benefits from eating the mushrooms themselves. Shiitake with higher vitamin D levels may improve your bone density.
2. May aid heart health: Several compounds in shiitake help lower cholesterol and may reduce your risk of heart disease.
3. Boost immune system: Eating shiitake mushrooms regularly may help bolster your immune system and reduce age-related decline in immune function.
Serving way:
• Sauté shiitakes with greens and serve with a poached egg.
• Add them to pasta dishes or stir-fries.
• Use them to make a flavorful soup.
• Roast them for a crispy snack or side dish.
https://www.thefitglobal.com/ajwain-benefits-for-skin-hair-and-health/