Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes) mushroom or Hioko and often written as shitake

mushroom is a fungus of East Asian origin food is famous throughout the world by his real name in Japanese. Shiitake mushrooms from literally means Shii tree (Castanopsis cuspidata) because that had rotted the trunk is a place to grow shiitake mushrooms.

Shiitake Mushrooms, also known as China black, because it is derived originally from mainland China and has been cultivated since 1000 years ago. The first written history of cultivating shiitake Sang Kuang Wu was written in the Song Dynasty (960-1127), although this fungus has been eaten by people in mainland China since the year 199 AD. In the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), a doctor named Wu Juei wrote that shiitake mushrooms can be used not only as food but also as a remedy for respiratory disease, blood circulation, relieve liver disorders, fatigue and restore energy boost chi. Shiitake is also believed to prevent premature aging.

In Hong Kong and Singapore, this type of fungus known as black Chinese Mushroom. In Indonesia known as fungal wood generally called brown or shiitake mushrooms only.

Chinese people believe that hioko mushrooms (shiitake mushroom's name in Chinese) can eliminate hunger, warms the body during cold weather and can accelerate blood circulation in the body.

To know the usefulness, in Japan has a lot to do intensive research on shiitake mushrooms. Among others, the research conducted in 1970 found that the amino acids contained in the shiitake mushrooms can help the process of cholesterol in the liver. These mushrooms contain the essential amino acids needed by the body, namely, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and several types of fiber and enzymes. Shiitake mushrooms also contain ergosterol, which will be treated the body into vitamin D when skin is exposed to sunlight. Amino acid content make it work shiitake mushrooms boost the immune system, and overcome digestive disorders, heart attack relieve runny nose, and blood circulation.