Remove individual mushrooms as they become just barely flexible, but before they are crisp. Store dried mushrooms in a sealed plastic bag. Place them in the freezer for 72 hours. You can then keep them frozen or remove them from the freezer and store them in a dry location. To rehydrate shiitake mushrooms, soak them in water or a seasoned liquid or broth for at least 30 minutes.
Shiitake mushrooms absorb flavors of seasonings.
They taste best when cooked with onion, leek, or garlic. They are excellent in sauces, stews, or rice, and with eggs or steak.