Shiitake mushrooms, as a high-protein, low-fat health food, are widely loved by people. Whether it's stewed soup, stir-fry or dumplings, shiitake mushrooms can add a unique aroma and delicate taste to dishes. However, when buying shiitake mushrooms, many people will be entangled in a question: is it better to pick large shiitake mushrooms or small shiitake mushrooms?

Through interviews with a number of vegetable vendors and relevant information, I found that there are significant differences between large and small shiitake mushrooms in terms of taste, use, and nutritional value. Below, I will elaborate on these differences to help you choose shiitake mushrooms better.

1. The difference in the nutritional value of large and small shiitake mushrooms

First of all, let's be clear: the size of shiitake mushrooms does not directly affect their nutritional value. Both large and small shiitake mushrooms are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. The vitamin B complex, vitamin D and a variety of amino acids in shiitake mushrooms are beneficial to the human body. Especially dried shiitake mushrooms, after sun exposure, the vitamin D content will be greatly increased, so it is best to choose dried shiitake mushrooms when stewing soup. But if you plan to eat it immediately, fresh shiitake mushrooms are more suitable.

However, although there is no significant difference in nutritional value, there are differences in the way shiitake mushrooms are eaten and tasted differently depending on the size.

2. Characteristics and uses of large shiitake mushrooms

Large shiitake mushrooms stand out for their full volume and rich flavor. The meat is relatively thin, but the taste is still delicious, and the price is more affordable and cost-effective. Shiitake mushrooms perform particularly well in dishes that need to be kept intact, such as roasted and stewed, to better retain their original aroma and nutrients.

Specifically, large shiitake mushrooms are suitable for the following cooking methods:

1. Grilled shiitake mushrooms: Remove the stems of shiitake mushrooms, brush them with a little olive oil and seasonings, and bake them in the oven until golden brown on the surface, with a crispy texture and unique flavor.
2. Stewed soup: The flesh of the shiitake mushroom is plump, which can fully release its aroma and nutrients during the stewing process, making the soup more rich and delicious.
3. Slice and stir-fry: Slice shiitake mushrooms and stir-fry them with sliced meat and vegetables to enhance the flavor of the dish while maintaining its original shape and texture.
4. Bao Dumplings: Shredded shiitake mushrooms, mixed with pork, beef and other fillings, wrapped into dumplings, delicious and nutritious.

3. Characteristics and uses of small shiitake mushrooms

Small shiitake mushrooms are usually petite and delicate, with a uniform color in appearance. Because of their small size, they are easier to absorb the aromas of the ingredients, making them easier to absorb when cooking. With its delicate taste and aromatic deliciousness, small shiitake mushrooms have become an indispensable seasoning tool in cooking.

Specifically, small shiitake mushrooms are suitable for the following cooking methods:

1. Stir-fried shiitake mushrooms: Stir-fried shiitake mushrooms with sliced meat and vegetables, shiitake mushrooms can quickly absorb the aroma of soup and seasonings, making the dish more delicious.
2. Sauté shiitake mushrooms: Stir-fry shiitake mushrooms in hot oil until the surface is slightly charred, the inside is soft and waxy, and the texture is rich.
3. Stews: Although small shiitake mushrooms may not be as complete as large shiitake mushrooms in stews, their delicate texture and rich aroma can add a unique flavor to the dish.
4. Mix with cool vegetables：將小香菇焯水後，與黃瓜、胡蘿蔔等蔬菜一同涼拌，口感清爽，開胃解膩。

Fourth, the skills of buying shiitake mushrooms

When buying shiitake mushrooms, in addition to considering the size, you also need to pay attention to the following points:

1. Look at the color of the sel: Good shiitake mushrooms are light gray in color, slightly whitish and dry. If you encounter some shiitake mushroom umbrella cover is brown or black, without any pattern, and feels wet, this shiitake mushroom may not taste good and the taste is not fragrant.
2. Feel the thickness: The cap of high-quality shiitake mushrooms is round and full, and the thicker the cap, the more flesh and fragrance of shiitake mushrooms will be. Shiitake mushrooms with thinner caps will have less flavor.
3. Look at the appearance: The larger the size of the shiitake mushroom, the larger the range of the relative cap, and the tightness of the overall mushroom meat will be reduced, and it is easy to loosen and lose its flavor when it is made into a dish. Therefore, it is recommended to choose shiitake mushrooms with a round shape, firm and full, and a round shape, which do not need to be too big or too small, and the shiitake mushrooms with a moderate body shape taste the best.

1. Press Flex: You can gently press the cap of the shiitake mushroom with your thumb to see how elastic the shiitake mushroom is and whether the flesh is full. If the cap does not rebound after gentle pressing, but instead forms folds, the shiitake mushroom may have been retained for a long time and is no longer fresh. If it can rebound quickly after pressing, it means that the shiitake mushrooms are fresh, and the texture and taste will be better.
2. Smell the smell: A good shiitake mushroom should have a strong shiitake aroma. If the shiitake mushrooms smell tasteless or have a pungent smell, then they may have gone bad and should not be purchased.
3. Sterilization pattern: When choosing shiitake mushrooms, you should choose a stalk that is short and sturdy and tender. This shiitake mushroom tastes more delicious, and it is also necessary to pay attention to whether the shape and size of the cap are uniform. If the shape of the cap is incomplete or irregular, it is recommended not to buy it.

5. Summary

To sum up, there is not much difference between large shiitake mushrooms and small shiitake mushrooms in terms of nutritional value, but they have their own advantages in taste, use, and cooking methods. Large shiitake mushrooms are suitable for dishes that need to maintain their full shape, such as roasting and stewing, while small shiitake mushrooms are more suitable for cooking methods that require quick flavoring, such as stir-frying and stir-frying. When buying shiitake mushrooms, in addition to considering the size, you also need to pay attention to the color, thickness, shape, elasticity and smell to ensure that you buy fresh and high-quality shiitake mushrooms.

I hope that through this article, you can learn more about the purchase and cooking skills of shiitake mushrooms, so as to make more delicious and delicious ravioli.