Porcini Mushrooms, Dried (Grade A)

An edible mushroom that originated in Western Europe and then spread out through Eastern Europe and South America. They grow under the dark and damp shade of conifer and hardwood forests where they bulk up their fat bottoms and spongy caps (which are porous instead of having gills like most mushrooms). The bolete grows chubby and large; so much so it is often considered the King of the Mushrooms. In fact, some boletes can grow to be 18 inches tall and more than a foot in diameter. The taste of an edible bolete mushroom is hit or miss. Dried, the bolete reeks of dark soy sauce and Chinese black vinegar. When reconstituted the flavor is far more mellow with a slight fermented hint. This European mushroom is popular served with a runny egg, tucked into pasta dishes, and stirred into risotto. A more modern twist is to grind them into powder in a food processor, mix it with salt and black pepper, and use the mixture as a rub for beef.

A North American favorite on the East Coast, the Hen of the Woods mushroom grows in large, clustered masses that look like the feathery tails of chickens. (Hence the name.) They have an enjoyable flavor that possesses a subtle spice.

The Hen of the Woods mushroom pairs well with strongly flavored meats that have been smoked, grilled, or massaged with a potent spice rub. Of course, this shroom can also take the place of meat in pasta dishes, mixed grills, or tucked into tacos with a bit of pico de gallo and hot sauce.

Husky, musty, earthy, with a potent mushroom flavor that doesn’t crack the volume on the boom box but keeps it at a moderate level. We lovingly call the Cepes mushroom the Broth Porcini. It’s a mushroom that you reconstitute in hot water by the boatload. We love to dragoon this mushroom broth into a strong, meaty stock by simmering it down with a bit of green onion. This rich mushroom stock can then be added to soups, sauces, or used to make elegant risottos. Of course, the mushrooms themselves are just are hardy as the broth. After a good rinse under running water to expel any grit chop them up and add them to a Crockpot with some potatoes, carrots, and a round roast. Another dinner option is to pop them into a beef bourguignon for an ethereal take on a classic dish. Tuna noodle casserole with Porcini? Yes, please.

Dating back thousands of years the dried shiitake has been used in medicine and cooking throughout Eastern Asia. The mushroom was often ground up or used in teas and prescribed for respiratory infections, to improve blood circulation, and to prevent aging. The fact that it tasted so otherworldly that it was thought to be a gift from the gods made it a medicine that many were happy to take.

The shiitake is a mushroom that is always preferred dried over fresh. Dried and reconstituted, the mushroom has a far more intense flavor and the broth can be used for deglazing pans and adding to soup stocks. The woody stems are often discarded before drying as they’re usually inedible. The flavor is incredibly savory and umami-centric with hints of beef.