Martha's Vineyard Mycological, Chilmark, MA

Inspired by the climate and forests of coastal New England, MV Mycological has adapted the ancient Japanese technique of outdoor shiitake cultivation on whole oak logs for the modern food system. These Wild Harvest Shiitakes are exposed to the elements, growing slow and dense just like they would in the East Asian oak forests where they evolved. They hold very little water, do not shrivel when cooked, and sear like meat. Wild Harvest Shiitakes glean their intense, garlicky umami from the complex carbohydrates in the wood they digest. This mushroom is the star of the plate, seared or raw. It's a different mushroom experience than any you have had before.