Definition

Noun * An edible fungus: A species of mushroom native to East Asia, characterized by a cap that ranges in color from golden to dark brown or nearly black, and a stem (stipe) that is typically tough and not eaten.

Usage

• As a countable noun: Refers to individual mushrooms or the species as a whole.
  • Several lentinus edodes were added to the soup for flavor.
  • The cultivation of lentinus edodes is a major industry in some countries.

Advanced Usage

• In scientific and culinary contexts: The term is primarily used in technical, scientific, or formal culinary writing. In everyday English, this mushroom is almost universally known by its Japanese name, shiitake.
  • The study focused on the medicinal properties of Lentinus edodes.
  • While lentinus edodes is its botanical name, most chefs simply call them shiitakes.

Variants and Related Words

• Shiitake (n.): The common name for , borrowed from Japanese.
• Shiitake mushroom (n.): A fuller common name.
• Oak mushroom (n.): Another common name, referring to its traditional growth on oak logs.

Synonyms

• Shiitake: The direct and most common synonym.
• Oak mushroom: A descriptive synonym.

Notes on Meaning

• The key identifying features in the definition are the color range of the cap (golden to dark brown/blackish) and the inedible stipe. The flesh of the cap is the prized edible part.
• It is distinct from other common edible mushrooms like button mushrooms () or portobellos.

Noun

1. edible east Asian mushroom having a golden or dark brown to blackish cap and an inedible stipe