Fresh Wild Matsutake Mushroom

The firm texture and cinnamon spice aroma of this wild mushroom is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. With notes of pine, resin, and wet earth, the Matsutake has a savory umami nature that you really have to taste to understand. This, and the fact that they are hard to find, make Matsutakes highly prized in Japan, where a single mushroom can be worth well over $100.

To choose the perfect Matsutake, look for caps with unbroken veils, which still completely cover the gills. This ensures that the mushroom will be both more aromatic, and easier to clean. Brush the caps with a damp cloth, and peel the stem if necessary to remove dirt and sand. The beauty of a Matsutake is its utterly unique flavor, so it is best to prepare them simply, and let the mushrooms speak for themselves. Slice thin and grill in a foil packet with a dash of soy sauce, sake, and a spritz of fresh lemon at the end -- or simply toss thin slices into cooking rice to permeate it with a spicy, Old World Japanese flavor.