How to choose Shiitake Mushroom

Shiitake mushroom is the second largest edible mushroom in the world, it’s also one of the Chinese specialty. It has delicious taste, mellow aroma and rich nutrition. It is known as “Queen of plants”, as it’s a nutrient healthy food with high-protein, low-fat, and it’s rich in vitamin B group, iron, potassium and vitamin D( after sun exposure it turns into vitamin D). So how can we choose the shiitake mushroom?
When selecting dried shiitake mushroom, its quality is generally evaluated from four aspects: form, color, smell and water content.

Form: the quality of flower mushroom is the best (the surface of the cap will crack the pattern). In addition, it can also be identified from these aspects. The cap is thick and complete, not fully opened; the gills is delicate and neat; the stem is short and strong; the edge of mushroom cap is rolled, those are good quality.
Color: shiitake mushroom has unique color, mostly yellow brown or black brown, with a bright color; the color of the gills is pale yellow or milky white.
Smell: shiitake mushroom has unique mellow aroma; no smell or other odor and musty taste is bed quality.
Moisture Content: The moisture content of dried shiitake mushroom should be 11%~13%. Too dry will be crumbed and too wet will be spoiled, such quality is not good for storage.