Food · Fermented foods

Hon-shimeji (True Shimeji)

ほんしめじ (Hon-shimeji)

Also known as: Hon-shimeji, True shimeji, Lyophyllum shimeji, 本しめじ

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At a glance

CategoryFood
Japanese labeling nameほんしめじ
Common Japanese notationsほんしめじ, 本しめじ
OriginLyophyllum shimeji (true shimeji); historically wild-foraged but successfully cultivated since 2000s; principal modern production by Takara Bio and other major mushroom producers
Typical functionsPremium cooking specialty mushroom — distinctive umami profile, Kaiseki and traditional Japanese cuisine
Regulatory status in JapanStandard agricultural product labeling. Not a designated allergen.

Hon-shimeji (ほんしめじ / 本しめじ) — true shimeji (Lyophyllum shimeji) — is the premium 'true' shimeji distinct from the more common buna-shimeji (Hypsizygus marmoreus). Historically wild-foraged but successfully cultivated since the 2000s. Premium kaiseki ingredient with distinctive umami profile.

Classification

Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.

Functions

Regulatory tags

Used in (typical product categories)

Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.

  • Fresh hon-shimeji retail (Takara Bio brand established)

What it is

Lyophyllum shimeji true shimeji, premium positioning vs common buna-shimeji.

Typical uses in Japanese products

Premium kaiseki cooking.

Soup, simmered, mixed mushroom dishes.

For OEM: premium fresh retail.

Regulatory classification in Japan

Standard food labeling. Not a designated allergen.

Regulatory classification in other markets

EUNiche specialty positioning.
USANiche specialty positioning.
ChinaNiche specialty positioning.
KoreaNiche specialty positioning.

Example products

Example finished products will be added after verification.

All brand names and product names referenced anywhere on this site are the property of their respective owners. Example entries are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement.

Related ingredients

References

  1. MEXT Standard Tables of Food Composition — ほんしめじ

Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.

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