Maitake Mushroom Vs. Shiitake: An In-Depth Comparison

No list of functional mushrooms will be complete without shiitake and maitake mushrooms. Despite having several things in common, maitake mushroom vs. shiitake is a topic that deserves attention. Why? For functional mushroom enthusiasts, knowing the differences between the two is crucial so that they can make the right choice based on what they hope to gain from consuming one of either fungus.

As for the similarities, both are prized culinary mushrooms. Additionally, they have been used in traditional medicine in Asia for centuries. Both fungi contain nutrients and bioactive compounds that support various health and wellness goals. That is why they are considered functional mushroom superfoods.

A unique characteristic is the capacity to support the body’s ability to counteract unhealthy aspects of people’s lifestyles, including poor diet and stress. Maybe you know about their benefits and are wondering which of these can offer what you seek. You only need to compare their health benefits to determine which can support your goals. That is what we at Essential Mushrooms can help you with.

Let us explore how these two stack up.

Introduction to Shiitake & Maitake

While there are over ten thousand species of mushrooms worldwide, only a small number are considered functional mushrooms. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence of their advantages, thanks to centuries of medicinal use. Here is an interesting fact for you – maitake and shiitake are two species that have a lot of modern scientific research supporting their benefits.

• Maitake

Scientifically called Grifola frondosa, maitake has a rippled structure that looks like a fan. Maitake mushrooms have a rich, woody flavor and taste delicious when sauteed in oil or butter. They add a distinct aroma and rich flavor to various dishes.

The temperate northern forests of Asia and Europe provide the optimal growing conditions for maitake. They can also be found growing at the base of oak trees in Canada and Eastern USA, where they are called “hen of the woods” or “sheep’s head mushrooms.” There was a time when maitake mushrooms were found abundantly in the wild, but foraging and land development started to limit their availability. These days, maitake mushrooms are cultivated commercially at indoor production facilities and are often converted into the best maitake mushroom supplements.

• Shiitake

Lentinus edodes, or shiitake, looks like most other mushrooms, with a curved stem and a cap that looks like an open umbrella. The cap has gills underneath. As an edible mushroom, shiitake has a texture almost like meat and a rich, woody taste when cooked. The cap gives different dishes an umami element, particularly to stir-fried foods, pasta, stews, and soups. The stems are too tough to eat, but they do contribute flavor when used in making stocks and soups.

Shiitake mushrooms grow naturally in Southeast Asia, where the climate is warm and humid. It has also been cultivated in China and Japan for centuries, but you can easily get it in the USA. Mushroom cultivators create controlled growing environments for this fungus to maintain them. Apart from that, indoor cultivation supervised by expert mycologists lets mushroom cultures grow free from environmental toxins and pollutants. The mushrooms that are not sold whole are converted into shiitake mushroom supplements.

Shiitake Vs. Maitake – Comparing the Benefits

Now, it is time to get into the crux of the discussion: maitake mushroom vs. shiitake. Both edible mushrooms are highly nutritious and offer a low-calorie source of protein and Vitamin B, which supports the nervous system and provides energy by breaking down lips, proteins, and carbohydrates. Scientists have analyzed these mushrooms and found a bioavailable form of Vitamin B12 in them, along with copper, a mineral that supports red blood cells, nerves, and healthy bones.

Micronutrients are crucial to health and wellness, and these two mushrooms tick all the boxes. They are a source of selenium and ergothioneine, two antioxidants that help the body protect itself against the effects of oxidative stress. Researchers have compared the diets of those who ate mushrooms with those who did not and noticed a higher concentration of many nutrients and a better diet quality in those who took mushrooms.

Maitake and shiitake have several things in common, but each supports the body through its characteristic bioactive substances. Maitake is especially full of antioxidants, such as ergothioneine, and contains proteins, glycoproteins, and powerful polysaccharides. Shiitake, on the other hand, contains immuno-supportive lentinan, eritadenine, polysaccharides, and polysaccharopeptides. Both fungi contain prebiotic fiber and support the growth and sustenance of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system.

Here is a comparison of the benefits of shiitake and maitake mushrooms.

• Maitake supports weight management, while shiitake promotes healthy gut flora.
• Maitake supports healthy blood sugar, while shiitake supports healthy cholesterol.
• Maitake promotes healthy gut flora, while shiitake supports healthy blood pressure.
• Maitake supports immune health, and so does shiitake.

Based on an animal research study, you get the strongest immune support when you combine shiitake and maitake. If you want to choose only one, maitake alone can offer the next strongest response, followed by shiitake alone.

Wrapping it Up

Shiitake and Maitake mushrooms are both revered and respected, as they have proven their efficacy in the complementary world of medicine as powerful tonics in traditional Chinese medicine and very beneficial adjuvant therapies within the paradigm of Western medicine.

Now that you have the answer to maitake mushroom vs. shiitake, you might be looking for a company that can offer you the best supplements. Well, Essential Mushrooms has that covered! Visit our online store and choose from a massive range of supplements like gummies, tinctures, and capsules curated meticulously just for you.