Japanese Dried Shiitake Mushroom Powder

This unique, versatile, easy-to-use, and umami-rich powder is made with only forest-grown shiitake mushrooms. Containing an abundance of guanylic acid—one of the umami’s components—dried shiitake mushrooms are a true umami booster, however, Sugimoto’s dried shiitake mushrooms are even richer in umami and sweeter than most mass-produced dried shiitake. Sugimoto uses a 1000-year old Japanese approach to growing sustainable Sawtooth Oak tree logs in the deep forest of Takachiho-go in Kyushu that host the mushrooms and allow them to grow slowly in a clean, natural environment. Immediately after harvesting, the mushrooms are dried with hot air, and afterwards are further dried under infrared driers to ensure a lower moisture content and retain their flavor and aroma. Then the dried mushrooms are ground into coarse powder. By adding a small amount of this powder to your cooking, you can instantly and naturally enhance the umami flavor of the dish. When your dish becomes more savory, there isn’t as much need for salt. This means you can reduce sodium intake as well!