Description
Grifola frondosa (also known as hen-of-the-woods, maitake (舞茸, “dancing mushroom”) in Japanese, ram’s head or sheep’s head) is a polypore mushroom that grows at the base of trees, particularly old growth oaks or maples. It is typically found in late summer to early autumn. It is native to China, Europe, and North America.
The species is a choice edible mushroom. Maitake has been consumed for centuries in China and Japan[6] where it is one of the major culinary mushrooms. The mushroom is used in many Japanese dishes, such as nabemono. The softer caps must be thoroughly cooked.
