Whatever you’re cooking, our shiitake’s the secret

Meadow Mushrooms are excited to announce the launch of premium shiitake mushrooms to our already popular range of mushrooms, which are well known and loved by Kiwi's. 

With a firm and fleshy texture shiitake is the third most popular edible mushroom in the world and boasts a smoky, woody flavour, with an unmistakable umami taste – meaning a small amount goes a long way to enhancing all your favourite dishes. 

Shiitake mushrooms have been the secret weapon of Asian cooking for centuries, pairing beautifully with hints of ginger, garlic, chilli or a splash of soy sauce. The versatility of shiitake mushrooms, however, is lesser known. A punnet of fresh shiitake mushrooms can be a show stopping and nutritious addition to a range of your favourite recipes. Whether you’re wanting to change up your regular meals at home, impress your guests or experiment creatively in the kitchen, shiitake is the secret to rich, fragrant meals.

We tested various shiitake from around the world to find those which are superior in quality and flavour. China has been cultivating mushrooms since around 600 A.D. and we selected some of their finest shiitake to grow on our farm, through mycelium which is combined into a sawdust mix for transport. We mature the mycelium, in our Canterbury growing rooms, to strict New Zealand food safety standards then nurture with water, temperature and humidity. Soon the magic begins and tiny mushrooms start to appear. We continue to grow the shiitake until they mature, then we hand-pick and pack on our farm, fresh for delivery.

Meadow Mushrooms’ premium shiitake can completely transform the simplest of dishes. Perk up your spaghetti bolognese or mushrooms on toast in seconds by adding a handful of shiitake for a flavourful inclusion to a classic staple. Transform your usual chicken pie from dull to delicious in a flash, or warm up with a comforting, aromatic winter risotto. Shiitake can be a tasty addition to all your favourite wholesome plant-based dishes or can be served simply with a knob of butter, garlic and fresh herbs. It’s the distinct flavour and versatility of shiitake mushrooms which makes them the superhero of the mushroom world.

We hope you enjoy our new shiitake as the secret to enhance your favourite dish.

Meadow Mushrooms Food Safety

Food safety is crucial at Meadow Mushrooms and we are proud of our excellent track record on our HACCP Food Safety program spanning nearly 20 years. Shiitake are a fungi, and to reproduce they create spores, which germinate to form mycelium. Similar to the seeds or cuttings used for most produce in New Zealand we purchase this mycelium from overseas. All imported mycelium media are regularly tested, including for pesticides and heavy metals. Mushrooms are also tested for microbial pathogens, heavy metals, pesticides and more. Our supplier exports to various countries and is audited using an independent party. Their processes and systems are of a very high standard ensuring they are able to satisfy New Zealand’s strict requirements for importation as well as Food Safety Compliance.