#02
Shiitake Picking
It is well-known to the point that you can even say Bungo Ono is the Shiitake Mushroom Kingdom.
You can find these hodaba—traditional log-grown shiitake mushroom cultivation sites—all around the city.
Bungo-Ono City’s beloved idols, Heptagon and Nabappie.
Until recently, Bungo Ono city produced the largest amount of dried shiitake mushrooms in Japan. In fact, the place is so full of love for shiitake mushrooms that even the city’s mascot is a shiitake mushroom.
What is there to hunt for if not shiitake in Bungo Ono, the sacred land of mushrooms! That is why we have created this shiitake picking experience!
What is Log-Grown Shiitake?
There are two main methods for cultivating shiitake mushrooms: log-grown and sawdust block-grown.
To put it simply, sawdust block-grown shiitake are artificially cultivated. They are grown indoors in dimly lit rooms using compressed sawdust blocks and are ready for harvest in just 3 to 6 months.
On the other hand, log-grown shiitake are cultivated in natural forests on stacked oak logs (hodaba). This traditional method takes a full two years before the mushrooms are ready for harvest, requiring much more time and effort.
But the result is worth it! Log-grown shiitake have a richer color, deeper umami, stronger aroma, and a thick, meaty texture. They are considered to be on a completely different level compared to sawdust-grown shiitake!
Our Presenter this time, Mr. Mori is the owner of Mori Shoten, a shiitake wholesaler in the city.
Although his main business is a wholesaler, he has been growing shiitake mushrooms himself for the past two years trying to put a stop to the decline of shiitake farmers. His passion is to spread the taste of shiitake mushrooms produced locally to the whole country.
This is Mr. Mori’s “hodaba” field!
Countless hodagi (shiitake-growing logs) are neatly arranged throughout the vast mountain landscape.
Kunugi (sawtooth oak) is often used for hodaki, and in fact, the city tree of Bungo Ono is also a sawtooth oak. There have always been many sawtooth oak trees here. It is no exaggeration to say that this is a perfect place to cultivate shiitake.
Here is how log shiitake mushrooms grow.
So plump!
When you see them in real life, you will be surprised at how thick they are! We would really like you to see and try them so that you understand the hype!
First, you’ll learn the proper way to pick shiitake. Then, it’s time to harvest! After gathering fresh mushrooms, we take them back to the lodge…
Let’s dig in right away! When you pour soy sauce on freshly picked, thick shiitake mushrooms and grill them until golden brown, you will not want to eat any other mushrooms ever again.
What do you think? Shiitake Picking is a must-try experience for anyone who comes to Bungo Ono. Feel the charm that seeps out of this authentic experience.
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