Donko - thick-fleshed shiitake mushrooms, dried, Takehisa Japan

Donko shiitake mushrooms are harvested before the cap opens, after a slow winter growth. This gives them a very meaty texture. Full of umami and aroma, they are also visually appealing, making them ideal for nigiri or temari sushi, or for sauteing whole. The mushrooms double in size when soaked, increasing in weight by approximately 4.5 times. Takehisa shiitake mushrooms are cultivated on stored logs in the forest, which imparts a unique aroma that cannot be found in industrially grown shiitake mushrooms. The Takehisa family, based in Fukuoka Province, has specialized in this award-winning delicacy for nearly 100 years.