Posted by MV Resident, a resident of the Jackson Park neighborhood, on May 14, 2012 at 10:50 am

The "ugly shiitakes" are a bargain and indeed they taste the same as the pretty ones. Some of the caps are quite large and it is these that I often end up drying (they acquire a smokier flavor once dried and rehydrated). Some of the larger stems are rather chewy, however I usually clip them off and toss into a freezer ziplock bag for future use in making stock. No waste, you should be able to use every single ounce of these wonderful mushrooms.

A wonderful stand at a really great farmers market!