0709.54.00.00 - Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) 🖩

This HTS category, 0709.54.00.00, specifically covers fresh or chilled shiitake mushrooms, scientifically known as *Lentinus edodes*. These distinctive mushrooms are characterized by their umbrella-shaped caps, typically brown to dark brown, and their firm texture. Shiitake mushrooms are highly valued for their savory, umami flavor and are widely used in culinary applications globally, distinguishing them from other edible fungi.

Within Chapter 07, which pertains to edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers, this subcategory is part of the broader heading for "Other vegetables, fresh or chilled." More specifically, it falls under the grouping for mushrooms and truffles. It is important to differentiate this classification from its siblings. For instance, 0709.51.01.00 covers mushrooms of the *Agaricus* genus (like white button mushrooms), while 0709.53.00.00 is for *Cantharellus* species (chanterelles). Shiitake mushrooms are botanically distinct from these other genera.

As this is a leaf node in the HTS classification system, there are no further subdivisions for shiitake mushrooms under this specific code. Therefore, any fresh or chilled shiitake mushrooms (*Lentinus edodes*) imported or exported would fall directly under 0709.54.00.00, provided they meet the criteria for fresh or chilled vegetables under Chapter 7. The classification relies on the accurate identification of the species and its condition (fresh or chilled).