Fresh shiitake mushrooms dehydrate to become dry shiitake mushrooms, and will produce a strong characteristic aroma. At the same time easy to transport preservation, is an important north-south goods. Dried shiitake mushrooms are widely used in Chinese cuisine, and should be soaked in water before cooking. In vegetarian food, mushroom is also an important raw material. Shiitake mushrooms have a rich, earthy flavor and a distinctive taste best described as meaty. These mushrooms have large caps measuring 2 to 5 inches wide, and they vary in color from light to chocolate brown, providing an attractive contrast with their pale cream underside.