*Maitake mushroom is the common name of the frilled mushroom that grows in clusters usually at the base of large oak trees. This is native to Northeastern parts of Japan and North America.

*This mushroom also goes by other names like Sheep's head, Ram's head, and Hen of the Woods among English speakers.

*The term ‘Maitake’ in Japanese means ‘dancing mushroom’.

*This mushroom is used for cooking, and also in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicines.

*This mushroom has clusters of grayish brown caps that are curly with wavy margins that make it look like frills of a garment.

*In Japan, it can grow to a massive weight of 20 Kilograms, and so it is also called ‘giant mushroom’.

*it has a branched stipe that is milky white in color, which becomes tough as the mushroom matures.

*Buying and storage: Select mushrooms that are firm, plump, and clean without any bruises, soft, or wet slimy spots. Store fresh mushrooms in the refrigerator, either in a loosely closed paper bag, wrapped in a damp cloth or laid out in a glass dish covered with a moist cloth to prevent them from losing moisture. Fresh mushrooms keep well for up to one week when stored in the refrigerator. Dried mushrooms should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer, where they will stay fresh for six months to one year.

Is it raw?

Yes and No.
*Yes, if picked fresh or if it says raw or sundried on the package.
*No, canned mushrooms at the supermarkets are processed and not raw.
Make sure you read the label.

Health Benefits

1. Maitake mushrooms are low in calories, carbohydrates, fats and provide good amount of dietary fiber and protein.

2. Good source of dietary fiber. Contrary to the popular notion, beans have more fiber than most fruits and vegetables. It is a good source of both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber.

3. It has absolutely no cholesterol and saturated fats.

4. Excellent source of vitamins riboflavin and niacin, and a moderate source of other B-vitamins. These play a significant role in various metabolic reactions.

5. Moderate good source of copper. It reduces the risk of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, and enhances the activity of enzymes that are needed to maintain the elasticity of blood vessels, ligaments and joints.

6. Good source of selenium which has antioxidant properties and is effective in neutralizing the free radicals in our body.

7. Moderate source of manganese. It functions as a cofactor in various metabolic reactions involved in the efficient production of energy and enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes.

8. Moderate source of zinc, which enhances the body's immune function and improves wound healing.

9. Mushrooms have a protective effect against degenerative diseases like Alzheimers’ and age-related decline in cognitive function.

10. Maitake mushrooms have abundant quantities of antioxidants, as much as 40 times of that present in wheat germ.