Matsumoto Take: Introducing the characteristics of being called the Mushroom King and recommended recipes!

What is Matsutake?

Matsutake mushrooms, with their unique aroma and flavor, are a symbolic ingredient on the Japanese autumn table. They are also expensive, so much so that they are known as the "king of mushrooms." Domestic matsutake mushrooms, especially those that grow in red pine forests, are famous for their exceptional fragrance. On the other hand, matsutake mushrooms imported from the Korean Peninsula and Canada are also available on the market, and although their fragrance is somewhat milder than domestically produced mushrooms, they are also attractively priced

Matsutake mushroom season and how to choose them

Matsutake mushrooms are in season in autumn, but there are also "early mushrooms" that appear during the rainy season, which can be enjoyed as an early summer delicacy. The key to choosing high-quality matsutake mushrooms is to choose ones with thick, chunky stems and caps that have not yet opened. Also, avoid dried ones as they have lost their freshness

Recommended recipes using matsutake mushrooms

Preparing Matsutake Mushrooms

Preparing matsutake mushrooms is important to preserve their fragrance. Generally, matsutake mushrooms are used without washing them. Washing them with water makes them watery and weakens their fragrance. To prepare them, first thinly scrape off the stem, then lightly wipe the surface with a tightly wrung-out cloth or paper towel. If you absolutely must wash them, simply dip them quickly in a slightly salted water solution

Matsutake earthenware pot recipe

Ingredients (serves 4)

• Matsutake mushroom: 1 stalk
• Abalone (canned): 1 can (net weight 200g)
• Ginkgo nuts: 20 pieces
• Green onion (sliced ​​diagonally): appropriate amount
• 1 stalk of broccoli
• Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Chinese-style soup (a little soup base and water): 3 tablespoons
• salad oil, sugar, sake, soy sauce, potato starch

How to make it

1. Preparing the matsutake mushrooms
   : Prepare the matsutake mushrooms and slice them thinly lengthwise. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of sake and let sit for 5-6 minutes.
2. To prepare the abalone
   , sprinkle it with salt and sake, let it sit for 30 minutes, then blanch it in boiling water and transfer it to cold water. After that, slice it thinly into 3mm thick pieces.
3. Preparing the ginkgo nuts and broccoli:
   Shell the ginkgo nuts, boil them in hot water with a pinch of salt, and remove the thin skin. Separate the broccoli into florets and boil them.
4. To prepare the stir-fry
   , heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok and stir-fry the green onions. Once fragrant, add the abalone and stir-fry, then add the matsutake mushrooms and broccoli and stir-fry briefly.
5. for seasoning and
   finishing. Once it boils, add the cornstarch dissolved in water. Mix well, then serve in a bowl.

summary

Matsutake mushrooms, with their unique aroma and flavor, are a typical autumn ingredient in Japan. Domestically produced products are expensive, but they are well worth the price. Imported products can also be used in a variety of dishes, allowing you to easily enjoy the flavor of matsutake. Why not add color to your autumn table with dishes using matsutake?