Are Raw Shiitake Mushrooms Safe?

by Michael

Is it ok to eat Organic Shiitake mushrooms raw? I bought them at a health food store. Should I fry them for about 6 minutes or can I just eat them raw out of the package? Do I need to wash them before I eat them raw? I don't want to get sick...

Answer: Thanks for your question, Michael.

I found some conflicting information about the safety of raw shiitake mushrooms.

There are warnings against eating raw shiitake mushrooms based on the fact the some people have minor allergic reactions to them including tingling in the mouth, rashes and nausea. This appears to be an individually based experience, since many report being able to eat these mushrooms raw with no adverse effects. Personally, I'm able to eat raw mushrooms without any signs or symptoms of irritation and have enjoyed them fresh out of the bag and in gourmet raw recipes.

It is an old Japanese adage that with each shiitake you each you extend your life and in 1976, researchers S. Suzuki and Oshima found that a raw shiitake eaten daily for one week lowered serum cholesterol by 12%.

Shiitake mushrooms offer many health benefits and it appears that eating them raw is relatively safe, if not beneficial. If you want to eat them raw, wash them well and try a little at first while paying attention to reactions you may develop.

But it is also interesting to note that according to Paul Stamets, mycologist extraordinaire, mushrooms provide their maximum health benefits only when cooked.

And, of course, sauteed in olive oil with onions and garlic, they are just amazingly delicious ;)