The harvest experience is in season in spring, too! Shiitake mushroom picking in Shuzenji, Izu
- Shizuoka
- Experience Gifu
Spring is also the season! Let's go to Izu to pick shiitake mushrooms!
Autumn is of course the season, but shiitake is also said to be in season in spring from March to May! Shiitake mushrooms are called different names depending on when they are harvested. Shiitake mushrooms harvested in spring are called "haruko," meaning they have endured the harsh cold of winter.
It is believed that the cold weather makes the shiitake thicker and more flavorful.
As the weather gradually warms up, why don't you go to Izu to taste shiitake mushrooms that have endured the cold and become tasty?
▶Shiitake mushrooms and Shizuoka's deep history
It dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868). It is said that a man named Seisuke Ishiwata from Kadonohara Village in present-day Izu City was the first person in Japan to cultivate shiitake mushrooms artificially at the foot of Mount Amagi. Furthermore, there is a record that Shigezo Saito of Izu later instructed the Takeda Clan (Hyogo Prefecture) in the cultivation of shiitake mushrooms.
The people of Izu at that time started artificial cultivation of shiitake mushrooms and spread the technique throughout the country.
▶Shizuoka is one of the largest producers of shiitake mushrooms in Japan.
The amount of fresh shiitake mushrooms grown on logs is the highest in Japan, and the production of dried shiitake mushrooms is also in the top 5 in Japan!
The land has a lot of precipitation and contains enough water, and the climate is neither too hot nor too cold, which is said to be suitable for cultivating high-quality shiitake mushrooms.
In addition, in order to promote log shiitake in the Izu region, the highest quality dried shiitake mushrooms that pass strict standards are branded as "Seisuke Donko" after
Seisuke Ishiwata.
We hope you will try our high quality log shiitake mushrooms from Izu!
▶Let's enjoy eating shiitake mushrooms grown on logs!
Shiitake mushrooms are then dried to "dry shiitake" to maximize their appeal.
Dried shiitake mushrooms contain guanylic acid, one of the three major components of umami, which is almost exclusively found in dried shiitake mushrooms.
In addition, nutrients such as "vitamin D" and "dietary fiber" are greatly increased compared to fresh shiitake.
Although it takes time to rehydrate shiitake in water, if you can rehydrate them well, you will be able to enjoy the taste and aroma of shiitake mushrooms better than those of fresh shiitake!
Experience it all year round! Shuzenji Shiitake no Sato
The facility is also equipped with barbecue facilities, so you can enjoy eating freshly harvested, natural shiitake mushrooms grilled over a charcoal fire!
(Barbecue is an extra charge, and reservations are required for weekday use. Please note that reservations are required for weekday use.)
▶We talked to people from "Shuzenji Shiitake Mushroom Village" and "Izu City Hall"!
You do not need to bring anything!
What are the characteristics of shiitake mushrooms in Izu?
The shiitake mushrooms are of high quality because of the temperature difference between day and night, which is just right for their growth.
It has the largest share of the Minister's Award at the National Dried Shiitake Mushroom Fair in Japan!
Where do you find the best shiitake mushrooms?
The shape does not change the taste, but the thickness of the flesh changes the texture.
The best shiitake mushrooms are those whose umbrellas have not fully opened and have beautiful lines on the inner folds!
Tell me the best way to eat shiitake!
They taste better grilled with butter and soy sauce or fried rather than tempura!
They make a great snack if you make ajillo with olive oil and garlic!
You can pick as much as 300 grams of shiitake mushrooms for 1080 yen!
Why not visit to pick thick-fleshed, high-quality shiitake mushrooms?
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Access
Train】Take the Tokai Bus from Izu Hakone Railway Shuzenji Station to the Nenkawa stop, a 10-minute walk from the bus stop.
By Car: Approximately 60 minutes from the Numazu IC of the Tomei Expressway via Route 136.
Business hours: 9:30~15:00
Closed: Wednesday
*Special closures may occur for certain reasons.
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
*All images are for reference only.