Matsutake

Matsutake are extremely expensive Japanese mushrooms characterized by a strong, distinctive, and aromatic odor. They are always gathered by hand, found under fallen leaves near pine trees, hence the name matusutake, or pine mushrooms in Japanese.

The mushrooms are gathered from the end of September to the middle of November. It is said that matstutake have a spicy and fruity scent, with a hint of cinnamon. Traditionally, they are cooked with a light seasoning in order to fully appreciate their flavor.

Some of the more popular matstutake dishes include matsutake gohan (a combination of rice and mushrooms) and dobin mushi (mushrooms steamed in a clay teapot).