SUFFOLK
 
Shiitake have a rich and earthy taste.  At Farmers Markets, it is usually the gourmet mushroom that is the most popular mushroom as its shape feels more comparable to the widely-acceptable button and chestnut mushrooms.
 
They sport a rich, woodsy flavor that intensifies when cooked, lending a savory umami flavor to every dish in which they star. They have a dense, meaty texture and stems that range from tender to fibrous. Tough stems should be removed and saved for use in soups and stocks.