Matsutake

Funghi

Matsutake

Matsutake (Tricholoma matsutake and related pine mushrooms) is a firm, spicy-aromatic wild mushroom that grows with pine forests. The scent mixes cinnamon, spice, and resin; texture stays meaty when grilled or steamed simply. Highly seasonal and expensive, matsutake is celebrated in Japanese autumn cuisine and foraged in parts of China, Korea, Scandinavia, and North America under related trade names.

Also known as: Matsutake, Song-i, Song rong, Pine Mushroom, Pine Mushroom, Guldkremla / matsutake trade

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Unit

Cuts & parts

Breeds & varieties

A sample of named types with their own origin and culinary profiles.

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Characteristics

Preparations

BoiledCannedChilledChoppedDicedDriedFermentedFreeze DriedFreshFrozenGrilledHalvedMincedPickledPowderPreservedRoastedSaltedSautéedSlicedSmokedSteamedStuffedTornWhole

Provenance

BiodynamicForagedLocally GrownLog GrownOrganicPesticide FreeSeasonalSingle OriginSubstrate GrownWild Harvested

Sources

Indoor FarmedOutdoor FarmedWild

Traits

AromaticCinnamonFirmIntenseMeatyResinousSpicyWoodsy

Nutrition and pairings

Nutrition

Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.

Nutrition Facts

Per 100 g edible portion

Calories 28.8

Amount per 100 g

  • Total Fat 0.43 g
  • Saturated Fat 0.1 g
  • Trans Fat 0 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat 0 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2 g
  • Cholesterol 0 mg
  • Sodium 9.8 mg
  • Salt 0.05 g
  • Total Carbohydrate 4.18 g
  • Dietary Fibre 1.93 g
  • Total Sugars 1.55 g
  • Complex / starch 0.47 g
  • Protein 2.78 g
  • Water 96 g
Detailed nutrients

Mushrooms are high-water fungal tissue with modest protein and distinctive beta-glucans.

In the kitchen

Culinary partners and combinations that usually underperform with Matsutake.

Pairs well with

Classic and complementary matches

Usually avoid with

Often clash in flavour or tradition

History

JP

Matsutake entered Japanese aristocratic and later common autumn food culture with red pine forests.

JP

Declining Japanese pine habitat increased reliance on imported wild matsutake.

International wild harvest from Korea, China, and later North America supplied Japanese demand.

Global fine dining adopted matsutake as a luxury seasonal ingredient beyond East Asia.

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