Why in news? Shiitake, the premium variety of mushrooms being grown only in a few countries, is now being cultivated in Bengaluru.

Highlights

• Shiitake mushrooms were imported from Japan and China at exorbitant costs.
• It was domesticated and standardised for cultivation for Indian conditions.
• few north-eastern States like Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh are highly suitable for cultivating shiitake in the natural environment

About Shiitake mushroom

• They are an edible mushroom native to East Asia.
• It is also commonly called “sawtooth oak mushroom“, “black forest mushroom“, “black mushroom” or “golden oak mushroom”.
• Shiitake mushroom grow in groups on the decaying wood of deciduous trees.
• Its natural distribution includes warm and moist climates in Southeast Asia
• Apart from Bengaluru, the cooler climates of Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, Udhagamandalam, Coonoor, and Kodaikanal are particularly conducive to its cultivation.
• They are known for their medicinal properties, especially anti-cancer use and cholesterol-reduction ability.
• These varieties are normally grown in a situation where the temperature is below 25°C