Shiitake
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is an edible mushroom appreciated both for its gastronomic qualities and for its richness in bioactive substances, such as phenolic compounds and immunomodulators.
It stands out for its nutritional richness , containing all the essential amino acids, as well as important minerals such as iron, calcium and zinc. It is also a source of B vitamins, vitamin E and provitamin D, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and it is rich in polysaccharides, notably lentinan beta-glucan.
Historically, Shiitake was one of the first mushrooms grown on wood, and today it is among the most consumed mushrooms in the world . It is also known by other names such as "Himematsutake", "Xianggu" or "Hoang-mo".
The history and origins of Shiitake appear to date back to 199 BCE, when Emperor Chuai of Japan is said to have received this mushroom as a gift. It would then have had positive effects on the physical endurance , sexual vigor and longevity of those who consumed it. This is why Shiitake still bears the nickname “ Elixir of Life ”, “carrier of life” or even “samurai mushroom” today. It was then spread throughout the rest of Asia from the 11th century before reaching the West.
The extraordinary composition of Shiitake makes it one of the most recognized medicinal mushrooms in the world and one of the most famous in traditional Asian medicine.
Its applications are today studied in several areas such as integrative support or the metabolic-endocrine system.