Maitake

Maïtaké

What it is

Its Japanese name means dancing mushroom, said to describe people finding one — a single cluster at the base of an oak can weigh twenty kilos and reappear on the same tree for decades. English calls it hen of the woods.

In the kitchen

Roast it in large pieces at high heat until the frilled edges crisp. Sliced small it loses everything that makes it distinctive.

Goes with

Soy sauce Butter Garlic Thyme Toasted sesame oil Black pepper Spring onion Cream

Also used with

Seri (Japanese water dropwort)

In season alongside

Bay bolete Bronze bolete Mallard Goose Orange oak bolete Wood pigeon

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