Maitake Mushroom

Name: Maitake mushroom, also called hen of the woods or sheepshead (Grifola frondosa) — a large, frilly cluster of overlapping, wavy, grey-brown caps that grows at the base of oak and other hardwood trees. In Japanese, maitake means “dancing mushroom.”

Description

Maitake is native to Japan, China and North America, and is an old favourite in Japan, where it was so prized that finders were said to dance for joy, or, in another account, it was given to those who found it in exchange for its weight in silver. It is now cultivated, but also foraged from forests in autumn, when it can weigh several kilograms.

The mushroom has a rich, earthy, slightly peppery flavour and a firm, chewy, feathery texture that crisps beautifully when roasted or fried. It is used in Japanese nabe and tempura, and in Western cooking in roasts, risotto and as a meat substitute.

Main nutrition value

Maitake provides vitamin D (especially if exposed to UV light), B vitamins, potassium, copper and fibre, with beta-glucans that are studied for immune and metabolic effects.

How best to be consumed

Maitake is best roasted or sauteed until golden and crisp.

1. Tear into pieces by hand, rather than cutting, and roast at high heat with oil and salt until crisp.
2. Sauté in butter or oil with garlic and herbs.
3. Add to soups, stir-fries, hot pots and risotto.
4. Fry in tempura batter for a crunchy snack.
5. Cook thoroughly, and store in a paper bag in the fridge.

Overconsumption could cause…

Maitake is safe when cooked, with a note on supplements.

1. Allergic reactions or digestive upset in some people, and stomach discomfort from the fibre (chitin) and sugars in mushrooms in large servings.
2. Digestive upset from eating mushrooms raw, since cooking breaks down their tough cell walls and destroys natural irritants.
3. Mushroom poisoning from mistaken identification of wild fungi, some of which are deadly and look very similar to edible kinds, so never eat wild mushrooms unless an expert has identified them.
4. Possible lowering of blood sugar and blood pressure from concentrated extracts, so people on medicines for these should check with a doctor.

GroupsMushroomsFungi (mushrooms)Low fatLow sodiumRich in vitamin DFresh

Related foodsMorel MushroomWhite Button MushroomChanterelle MushroomOyster MushroomShiitake MushroomEnoki Mushroom

Wikipedia — Grifola frondosa, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grifola_frondosa