Matsutake

Tricholoma matsutake

The matsutake, or pine mushroom, is a big mushroom that grows in pine forests and has a spicy smell. Its big cap has scales, and the gills and the flesh are white. As the name “pine mushroom” tells, the mushroom thrives in dry pine heaths; the season lasts from August to September. The mushroom keeps very well. It is a highly appreciated food in Japan, and, in Finland, it is known today also by its Japanese name matsutake. It was added into the Finnish list of commercial mushrooms in 2007.