Can you eat the whole shiitake mushroom, including the stem?

[mndynthn12]

I recently started cooking with shiitake mushrooms and wondered if the stems are edible too. Do you eat the whole thing or just the caps? I'd love to hear how you use them in your recipes.

 

[Oniokitty]

I think you can eat the stems, but they’re pretty tough. Though, they’re great for making stock! .