Shiitake mushrooms are known for their rich, buttery, and meaty flavor that provides savoriness to a dish. They have large caps measuring 2 to 5 inches wide and vary in color from light to chocolate brown, providing an attractive contrast with their pale cream underside. Fresh shiitake mushrooms are recognizable by their large, dark-brown, umbrella-like caps and relatively slender, cream-colored stems. They add meaty texture and a delicious earthiness to sautés, stuffings, risotto, soups, and more.