Shiitake is a great mushroom for beginners. They colonize quickly and are the most reliable producers of any species. It has a meaty texture when cooked and is also great for drying and reconstituting in soups. It pairs beautifully with tamari, ginger, and garlic and can bring needed umami to many different dishes. Shiitake takes at least 12 months of colonization before producing mushrooms and tends to fruit throughout the summer to fall growing season.

Note: Spawn is living and perishable.