Matsutake (Pine) Mushrooms
The matsutake or pine mushroom (Tricholoma murrillianum) is one of the most sought after wild mushrooms in Canada. It is the North American version of Tricholoma matsutake, which grows in northern Asia and is especially prized in Japan, where eager chefs will spend a great deal for choice specimens, and where dried matsutake are sometimes eaten like potato chips. Matsutake has a strong taste and flavour, both sweet and piney, even a little cinnamony, and it can easily overpower other flavours in a dish – a little goes a long way. In some recipes, it takes on the taste of seafood. It does not pair well with dairy, but will star in dishes with meat, rice, and vegetables. Try it in a stew or soup, or fried with rice. It can also be eaten raw. Ground small, matsutake makes an excellent rub for barbecued chicken.