Hen of the Woods Mushrooms

Latin Name: Grifola Frondosa

Japanese Name: Maitake

In Stock

Price range: £7.50 through £30.00

Hen of the Woods mushrooms, or Maitake, has a distinctive rich aroma and a tender yet satisfyingly chewy texture that sets it apart.

What Hen of the Woods Mushrooms Are

Hen of the Woods mushrooms, also widely known by their Japanese name, Maitake (Grifola frondosa), are truly magnificent fungi that grow in large, ruffled, fan-like clusters resembling a hen’s tail feathers, hence their common name. Originating from mountainous regions of Japan, China, and North America, these mushrooms are prized for their robust, earthy, and subtly peppery flavour, often with hints of gamey or even slightly spicy notes. Our Maitake are carefully cultivated in controlled environments to ensure consistent quality and availability, mirroring their natural growth patterns. This cultivation method guarantees a pure, consistent product. Maitake has a distinctive rich aroma and a tender yet satisfyingly chewy texture that sets it apart.

Why Hen of the Woods Mushrooms Are Great

Hen of the Woods mushrooms are a culinary powerhouse, celebrated for their complex flavour profile and desirable texture. Their deep, earthy, and umami-rich taste adds incredible depth to any dish, making them a favourite among chefs and home cooks alike. When cooked, the individual fronds become wonderfully tender, with some edges crisping up beautifully, offering an appealing contrast. Beyond their gastronomic appeal, Maitake mushrooms are highly regarded for their impressive health benefits. They are a rich source of antioxidants, beta-glucans (which are known for their immune-modulating properties), and various vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and vitamin D. They have been traditionally used to support immune system function and overall vitality.

Hen of the Woods Mushrooms Flavour Profile

They are fruity, earthy and spicy in flavour and absorb companion flavours readily when cooked.

Health Benefits of Hen of the Woods Mushrooms

This is the first mushroom with anti-HIV activity to be confirmed by researchers in the United States and Japan. In China, it is ingested for an immune system stimulant.

Cooking Tips for Hen of the Woods Mushrooms

Hen of the Woods mushrooms are incredibly versatile and shine in many preparations. Their robust flavour makes them excellent when roasted until crispy, bringing out their nuttiness and creating a wonderful texture – simply toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. They are superb when sautéed with garlic, butter, and fresh herbs, serving as a hearty side dish or topping for toast. Maitake also adds an unparalleled depth to risottos, pasta dishes, and grain bowls. For a truly impressive main course, pan-sear large pieces until golden brown and serve as a vegetarian “steak.” They can also be incorporated into rich soups, stews, and broths for an intense umami boost. Don’t be afraid to experiment with them in stir-fries or even as a topping for pizza.

How Hen of the Woods Mushrooms Are Harvested and Handled

Our Hen of the Woods mushrooms are meticulously cultivated in conditions that replicate their wild growing environment, allowing them to develop their full flavour and impressive structure. They are carefully hand-picked as whole clusters when they reach optimal maturity, to preserve their intricate fronds and delicate structure. This gentle handling ensures that the mushrooms retain their unique shape, texture, and powerful flavour from the moment they are harvested until they reach your kitchen. Rapid cooling and transportation methods are employed to lock in their freshness and quality.

Hen of the Woods Mushrooms Storage Instructions

Keep refrigerated in a paper bag. Avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture and can cause spoilage. Use within 5-7 days for best quality. Gently brush off any dirt rather than washing before storage.

Growing Information

Temperature

14-17°C

Humidity

90%

Light

5-16 hours per day

CO2

2000ppm

Fruiting Time

3-4 days

What Hen of the Woods Mushrooms Are

Hen of the Woods mushrooms, also widely known by their Japanese name, Maitake (Grifola frondosa), are truly magnificent fungi that grow in large, ruffled, fan-like clusters resembling a hen’s tail feathers, hence their common name. Originating from mountainous regions of Japan, China, and North America, these mushrooms are prized for their robust, earthy, and subtly peppery flavour, often with hints of gamey or even slightly spicy notes. Our Maitake are carefully cultivated in controlled environments to ensure consistent quality and availability, mirroring their natural growth patterns. This cultivation method guarantees a pure, consistent product. Maitake has a distinctive rich aroma and a tender yet satisfyingly chewy texture that sets it apart.

Why Hen of the Woods Mushrooms Are Great

Hen of the Woods mushrooms are a culinary powerhouse, celebrated for their complex flavour profile and desirable texture. Their deep, earthy, and umami-rich taste adds incredible depth to any dish, making them a favourite among chefs and home cooks alike. When cooked, the individual fronds become wonderfully tender, with some edges crisping up beautifully, offering an appealing contrast. Beyond their gastronomic appeal, Maitake mushrooms are highly regarded for their impressive health benefits. They are a rich source of antioxidants, beta-glucans (which are known for their immune-modulating properties), and various vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and vitamin D. They have been traditionally used to support immune system function and overall vitality.

Hen of the Woods Mushrooms Flavour Profile

They are fruity, earthy and spicy in flavour and absorb companion flavours readily when cooked.

Health Benefits of Hen of the Woods Mushrooms

This is the first mushroom with anti-HIV activity to be confirmed by researchers in the United States and Japan. In China, it is ingested for an immune system stimulant.

Cooking Tips for Hen of the Woods Mushrooms

Hen of the Woods mushrooms are incredibly versatile and shine in many preparations. Their robust flavour makes them excellent when roasted until crispy, bringing out their nuttiness and creating a wonderful texture – simply toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. They are superb when sautéed with garlic, butter, and fresh herbs, serving as a hearty side dish or topping for toast. Maitake also adds an unparalleled depth to risottos, pasta dishes, and grain bowls. For a truly impressive main course, pan-sear large pieces until golden brown and serve as a vegetarian “steak.” They can also be incorporated into rich soups, stews, and broths for an intense umami boost. Don’t be afraid to experiment with them in stir-fries or even as a topping for pizza.

How Hen of the Woods Mushrooms Are Harvested and Handled

Our Hen of the Woods mushrooms are meticulously cultivated in conditions that replicate their wild growing environment, allowing them to develop their full flavour and impressive structure. They are carefully hand-picked as whole clusters when they reach optimal maturity, to preserve their intricate fronds and delicate structure. This gentle handling ensures that the mushrooms retain their unique shape, texture, and powerful flavour from the moment they are harvested until they reach your kitchen. Rapid cooling and transportation methods are employed to lock in their freshness and quality.

Hen of the Woods Mushrooms Storage Instructions

Keep refrigerated in a paper bag. Avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture and can cause spoilage. Use within 5-7 days for best quality. Gently brush off any dirt rather than washing before storage.

Temperature

14-17°C

Humidity

90%

Light

5-16 hours per day

CO2

2000ppm

Fruiting Time

3-4 days

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