Mushrooms are strange creatures. Neither plant nor animal, these fungal fruits are in a class all their own. Some species are psychotropic. Others are deadly. For many ancient cultures, even perfectly edible mushrooms were suspect.
The Chinese, however, embraced mushrooms early on. One of the most important specimens in Chinese culture is shiitake, which has been a treasured food and folk medicine throughout Asia for at least 2,000 years. Shiitake’s reputation for well-being remains strong to this day.
