Dried Chinese mushrooms (typically dried shiitake, Lentinula edodes) are a cornerstone of East Asian cooking. Drying concentrates their lentinan beta-glucans, selenium, copper, riboflavin, niacin, and the umami compound eritadenine. The soaking liquid is a rich instant stock. Lentinan, their characteristic beta-glucan, is studied for immune modulation and has been used as an adjunct cancer treatment in Japan.
Soak in hot water for 20-30 minutes until fully softened; squeeze out excess and save the liquid (strain through a fine sieve or muslin). Remove the tough stem before slicing — it can be added to stocks.
Where Mushrooms, Chinese, dried, raw Stands Out
Macronutrients per 100g
Vitamins & Minerals
| Nutrient | Per 100g | % Daily Value* | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potassium | 1,480 mg | 74% | |
| Phosphorus | 290 mg | 41% | |
| Calcium | 76.0 mg | 10% | |
| Folate | 30.0 µg | 15% | |
| Magnesium | 14.0 mg | 4% | |
| Selenium | 13.0 µg | 24% | |
| Iron | 11.7 mg | 84% | |
| Niacin (B3) | 11.3 mg | 71% | |
| Pantothenic Acid (B5) | 2.10 mg | 35% | |
| Copper | 1.79 mg | 179% | |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 1.32 mg | 94% | |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.530 mg | 38% | |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.370 mg | 34% | |
| Zinc | 0.300 mg | 3% | |
| Manganese | 0.100 mg | 5% | |
| Vitamin A (RAE) | 0.000 µg | 0% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.000 µg | 0% | |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.000 µg | 0% | |
| Iodine | 18.0 µg | 12% | |
| Cholesterol | 0.000 mg | — | |
| Beta-carotene | 0.000 µg | — | |
| Retinol (vitamin A) | 0.000 µg | 0% |
* % Daily Value based on EU Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs). — indicates no EU NRV established.