In a message dated 1/28/2006 3:39:38 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, bonaventure@optonline.net writes: Shiitake mushroom derived compounds have been suggested to have anti-cancer properties on animal cells in culture. ===>And that's why I would have poured that soaking water into the soup broth, sauce, or whatever. Just strain it through cheesecloth if the sediment really bothers you, but I don't usually worry about such things. Bill Lee