Beech Mushroom - 'Shimeji' (Brown)

The Beech Mushroom, Hypsizygus tessulatus, is a native of East Asia where it is grouped, along with other species, as Shimeji. This mushroom is a rich source of umami flavour compounds with a firm, crunchy texture and nutty taste. Especially delicious and texturally interesting as an ingredient in soups, stews, sauces and hot pots, and a traditional ingredient in Japanese nabemono ('things in a pot') and takikomi gohan, where ingredients are cooked in with rice along the lines of a paella.