The History of Shiitake Cultivation in Asia

Shiitake: A Mushroom With a 1,000-Year Story

Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) are one of the most popular gourmet mushrooms worldwide. Known for their rich umami flavor and health benefits, shiitake have been cultivated in Asia for centuries. Today, farms in Prague and across Europe continue this tradition, adapting ancient techniques with modern sustainability practices.

Origins in Ancient China

Historical records suggest shiitake cultivation began in China over 1,000 years ago, during the Song Dynasty. Farmers discovered that fallen logs from the shii tree (Pasania, a type of oak) were perfect for mushroom growth. They began to experiment by inoculating logs with spores, marking one of the earliest forms of controlled mushroom farming.

Spread to Japan and Korea

By the 12th century, shiitake cultivation spread to Japan and Korea, where it became deeply rooted in culture and cuisine. In Japan, shiitake was celebrated not only as food but also as traditional medicine, believed to boost immunity and promote longevity. Even today, shiitake remains an essential ingredient in Japanese miso soup, hot pots, and dashi broths.

From Logs to Modern Substrates

For centuries, shiitake were cultivated on hardwood logs. Farmers would:

• Cut fresh oak logs.

• Drill holes or make cuts.

• Insert shiitake spores (then later wooden plugs with mycelium).

This “natural log method” is still practiced today in parts of Asia. However, modern farms—including ours in Prague—often use sterilized sawdust blocks, which allow for more efficient, scalable, and eco-friendly cultivation.

Shiitake in the Global Market

Today, shiitake is the second most cultivated mushroom in the world after button mushrooms. Its history reflects a remarkable journey from ancient Asian forests to modern European kitchens, connecting tradition, health, and sustainability.

Final Thoughts

When you cook with fresh shiitake mushrooms grown in Prague, you’re not just enjoying a gourmet ingredient—you’re continuing a tradition that began in Asia over a millennium ago.

Order here fresh shiitake from our Prague mushroom farm and taste the history of Asia, grown locally and sustainably.

If you are curious how Japanese farmers are growing shiitake you are going to like this video.