About Shiitakes
The grading system for Shiitakes has more to do with whether or not the mushroom is still in the button stage and less to do with size. The #1 Premium Shiitakes come from a grower that only gives us mushrooms that are tightly rolled down at the edges, more dense and firm. If you are a chef or caterer, you will not be disappointed with the extra premium you are paying. They are the same size as the Medium #1 Shiitakes. However the shiitakes we grade as medium are a little softer and spongier, but still wonderful. Just slice, de stem, and cook. Baby Shiitakes have caps the size of about a 25 cent piece, and can be sautÈed whole, stems and all. The #2 grade shiitake means that the margins of the caps are no longer rolled down. Shiitakes have a spicy taste when sautéed, with a hint of garlic.

About Porcinis
Porcinis are graded differently than Shiitakes. First of all, porcini mushrooms are grown in the wild, and therefore cannot be labeled Organic. Premium porcinis are the smallest in size. The porcini mushroom family is graded on the color of the spongy layer of pores on the underside of the cap. The color of the pore mast is what we use to distinguish the grade. They start out at as white, and that is the best. Yellow is #2, and if itís green, its #3. As the mushroom becomes more mature, it becomes softer. Youngest is firmest and more mature.