Dried Hwago Shiitake Mushrooms

Grown In Korea | 1 lbs. - $34

Hwago is the finest quality Shiitake.  Hwago Shiitakes have a deeper and meatier flavor than other Shiitakes because they are grow slowly during the winter, which allows them to become thicker.  These Shiitakes were grown organically outdoors in South Korea.

Tips for Rehydration

1. Rinse with cold water to get rid of any dirt.
2. Completely submerge and soak the mushrooms in water.
3. Leave them in the refrigerator for 10 or more hours. 

4.To reduce the soaking time drastically, chop them into 4 pieces one hour after soaking then soak them again for 2 hours.

5. After soaking, they are ready for cooking.  Just don't forget to remove the stems.

Extras-  Soaking dried Shiitakes in cold water for more 10 hours makes them intensely flavored, amazingly firm, and velvety.  You could soak them for 24 hours, or even 48, but it doesn't really make a difference after about 15 hours.

Don't throw the Water away!  The water you soaked the Shiitakes with is literally dashi broth.  The water contains lots of nutrition and rich flavor and scent.  You can use this broth for tea or to cook hundreds of Asian soup like dishes.  Use it for your Ramen, Udon, Galbitang, you name it.  Basically all Asian soup like dishes. 

The broth can be stored in the refrigerator for a week; it can be frozen for a little more than a month.