Matsutake mushrooms

Matsutake mushrooms are a Japanese mushroom grown in the red pine forests and harvested each autumn. The Japanese mushrooms are extremely expensive so even the Japanese people purchase less expensive imported varieties. Available fresh or dried matsutake mushrooms have a firm white flesh with a distinctive aroma of cinnamon and pine and a firm, chewy texture.

Where To Buy Matsutake Mushrooms

You most likely won't find these in your neighborhood grocery store (in most places in the U.S.) but you can find them online at Oregon Mushrooms. Also look for them in your local farmer's market.

Substitute For Matsutake Mushrooms

If you don't have matsutake mushrooms you can substitute:

• The best substitute for matsutake is the portobello mushroom.  They are easy to find, less expensive and make a good meat substitute too.
• OR - Another good alternative is the fresh shiitake mushroom.  Again, this is easy to find, less expensive than matsutake and a provides a nice, firm, meaty texture.
• OR - Alternately you can substitute dried matsutake for fresh but they are not overly flavorful.