Maitake mushrooms are consumed as a food and in traditional Asian medicine. It positively affects overall immunity by suppressing tumor growth, lowering cholesterol levels, and containing high antioxidants and mineral content.
Maitake (舞茸, “dancing mushroom”) are fungi foraged and cultivated for culinary and medicinal use. Its name originated after people danced with happiness upon finding it in the wild. The fungus is native to China, Europe, and North America.
Common names for maitake include king mushroom, cloud mushroom, sheep’s head, and hen of the woods mushrooms.
Table of contents
What Is Maitake
Maitake (Grifola frondosa) is an edible mushroom with a cluster of wavy caps resembling leaf-like fronds. The fruiting body is white, and the cap color ranges from pure white to brown, depending on the sunlight received. It forms clumps on tree stumps and roots, such as oak, elm, and maple trees.
What Does It Taste Like
When cooked, Maitake is succulent, semi-firm, and chewy, with a woodsy and earthy flavor. It has a meaty texture and lacks the rubbery texture of other mushrooms.
How To Use
Use maitake like any other mushroom. Like mushrooms in general, make sure to cook it through before consumption. While eating it raw is not poisonous, it could cause gastrointestinal irritation and allergic reactions.
Break down fresh maitake into smaller chunks before use. Add it to soups, hot pots, stir-fries, and deep fry.
Recipes Using Maitake
- Japanese-Style Mushroom Tuna Pasta ツナときのこのパスタ
- Mizutaki (Chicken Hot Pot) 水炊き
- Sesame Miso Hot Pot 胡麻味噌鍋
- Miso Butter Mushrooms in Foil きのこのホイル焼き
- Yakitori-Style Grilled Vegetables 焼き野菜盛り合わせ
- How to Make the Best Tempura 天ぷら
How To Choose The Best
Like any mushroom, pick maitake that looks fresh and firm and not limp and soggy looking.
How To Store
Store it in a paper bag in the refrigerator to let it breathe or at room temperature if using it within a few days. Make sure to avoid moisture and humidity.
You could keep it in the freezer by separating and storing the chunks in a plastic bag. Add the frozen maitake to cooking, such as miso soup, hot pots, stir-fries, pasta and noodle dishes, or pizza topping.
Where To Buy
They are sold fresh at farmers’ markets, specialty grocers, and Japanese/Asian supermarkets. You may find them at large grocery stores.
Substitutions
Substitute maitake with firm mushrooms such as shiitake, shimeji, portobello, or king oyster mushrooms.
Health Benefits
Maitake is an excellent source of potassium, fiber, copper, amino acids, phosphorus, vitamins B, C, and D, and essential amino acids. It also contains beta-glucan, which has immune-boosting effects. It also includes a small chunk of protein and fiber.
Maitake has gained international attention from the medical community for its many health benefits, such as lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels, fighting cancerous cells, and boosting immunity. Some animal studies found that maitake can positively affect type 2 diabetes by lowering blood glucose levels.
Because of these benefits, some people turn to maitake extracts and supplements. Maitake is used to treat cancer and also to relieve the side effects of chemotherapy.
If you decide to take maitake for medicinal use, please read the instructions carefully and consult your doctor if unsure. If you take diabetes medication or recovering from surgery, note that maitake may lower blood sugar levels.
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