Shiitake Mushroom Gift Log is Ideal for Vegetarians

Many people avoid buying a gift of food for vegetarians and vegans. A shiitake mushroom log is an ideal gift because the delicious queen of mushrooms is high in protein and has health benefits. The mushroom log makes a unique, interesting gift that grows shiitakes every two months for years.

Perkins, OK (PRWeb) November 28, 2006 -- Since the majority of Americans are still carnivores, salivating at the sight of a juicy steak, they often veer away from offering food items as gifts to their vegetarian or vegan friends. However, a unique and interesting option is available, so there's no reason to exclude vegetarians from this long-standing Christmas tradition. Since shiitake mushrooms are high in protein, a grow-it-yourself shiitake mushroom log makes a perfect gift for non-meat eaters.

The logs will grow either indoors like plants or outside in a shady area of the yard, growing shiitakes every two months. And all you have to do is add water.

Sondra Williams operates Lost Creek Mushroom Farm (www.shiitakemushroomlog.com.) with her husband, Doug. A vegetarian herself, she eats them regularly. "Many vegetarians use shiitake mushrooms as a source of protein, making them a staple of most vegetarian and vegan diets. They hold their chunky texture and they're so versatile in cooking, and -- most importantly -- they just taste great." Williams said shiitakes are the second-best selling mushroom in the world, and one of the world's best- tasting varieties.

In addition to their superior flavor, most health-conscious vegetarians prefer the freshest mushrooms possible to maximize their health benefits. Research has suggested that shiitakes can enhance our immune systems, fight infections and even offer protection against high cholesterol, heart disease and certain cancers. They're also packed with antioxidants, which act to repel free radicals.

"The highest-quality shiitakes are grown on hardwood logs rather than the commercial quality grown on sawdust blocks, which makes log-grown shiitakes hard to find and very expensive, " Williams added.

In order to have the queen of gourmet mushrooms at their freshest, vegetarian mushroom lovers can grow them at home on their own shiitake mushroom logs.

According to Doug Williams, "Shiitakes bought in the grocery store are a world apart from shiitakes grown in their natural habitat, on hardwood branches and trees. And, when grown at home, the mushrooms can be harvested at their peak -- ready to go straight from the log to the kitchen."

Lost Creek Mushroom Farm gets the logs cut in the winter when the sap is down. The first step in shiitake production is to drill holes and inject shiitake spawn into the holes, then seal the holes with hot wax. After 8-12 months of regular watering, the shiitake grows inside the log until it's ready to break through the bark as mushrooms. To get the mushrooms to pop out, Williams said, "you soak it in ice water for 24 hours. The log thinks it's the spring or fall rainy season and 'fruits'."

Lost Creek Mushroom Farm log kits will produce shiitakes every other month for four years or more, with increasingly larger yields as the log matures. "It's a gift that really does keep on giving," Williams said.

All kits include a log that's ready to fruit, instructions and recipes. The logs are guaranteed to produce. The original kits come with their own soaking trays, in a 14-inch size for $38.50 and large 20-inch log for $48.50. Lost Creek has a 10-inch log for $27.50 and a Ma and Pa kit with two 10-inch logs for $47.50. The Ma and Pa kit provides a harvest every month by alternating the producing logs. Prices include shipping and handling.

The Shiitake Sampler Cookbook by Janet Bratkovich has 51 tested shiitake recipes and is available for $6.95, with no additional shipping if sent with a log kit.

More kits and shiitake gift baskets with a 6-inch 'Shroomie log and all-vegetarian, all-natural shiitake soups and dips are available online at www.shiitakemushroomlog.com and at Amazon.com. To order by phone or to request a free brochure, call 1-800-792-0053. For mail orders, the address is Lost Creek Mushroom Farm, PO Box 520, Perkins, OK

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