Maitake mushroom: description, useful properties, application, photo

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Maitake is an interesting mushroom with unique medicinal properties. It is valued for its excellent taste properties, the possibility of using it in cooking. Maitake mushroom also has a medicinal effect. More details about its properties and application rules are described in the article.

Appearance

Maitake mushroom is also called "dancing mushroom" or "ram mushroom". It is a large plant that can be up to 50 cm in diameter. Some clusters weigh up to 4 kg.

Wild Maitake is harvested from September to October. It has a rich taste and pleasant aroma. He has an original shape, curly. It grows in large colonies.

Where does it grow?

Maitake mushroom is rare, it has unusual beneficial properties. It is because of their presence that it is valued, but the places where the fungus grows have always been hidden.

This plant can be found in Japan, China, Tibet. It was there that the medicinal properties of the maitake mushroom were revealed many centuries ago. But in modern science it began to be studied only 30 years ago. Healing properties have not yet been fully identified, but the mushroom containsuseful components that are used in the treatment of serious ailments.

Plants are found in deciduous forests near old oaks, chestnuts, maples. Chinese maitake mushrooms do not grow in Russia. But some gardeners are trying to cultivate the plant.

Storage

If fresh maitake mushrooms were bought, then store them in the refrigerator. Fresh product should be consumed within 2 days. Dried mushrooms are placed in an airtight container. It is important that it be made of plastic or glass.

The container must be placed in a cool place where the temperature does not exceed 15 degrees. Make sure there are no sources of heat or strong moisture nearby.

Growing

Many people try to grow mushrooms at home. This is done in 2 ways:

• in plant sediments;
• on wood.

In the first case, you need a separate special room, and in the second - a garden. Each method has its pros and cons. The first method is to create mushroom blocks using plastic bags.

First, the substrate is thermally processed. The cooled substrate is mixed with mycelium and placed in a plastic bag. The package is tied, holes are made in it. Then the mushroom block is left in a special room for 3-4 weeks. Fruiting will be in waves, once every 2-3 weeks.

When growing on wood, only deciduous trees are supposed to be used. The tree is sawn into pieces, in which shallow holes are made - up to 5 cmdeep and 2 cm in diameter. Mycelium is placed in the holes and covered with sawdust. The tree with mycelium is placed in the areas defined in the garden for growing mushrooms. Mushrooms will bear fruit for 5–6 years.

Interesting facts

Here are some interesting facts:

1. The mushroom was first used in the 4th or 5th century AD.
2. First it was used in Japan and China. Maitake was primarily used to boost immunity.
3. In the wild, the fungus grows in Japan, less often in China.
4. According to the ancestors, the name "dancing mushroom" was used for a reason. Previously, when harvesting, the mushroom picker performed a ritual dance. It was believed that otherwise the mushroom would not have medicinal properties.
5. In Japan it is called geisha mushroom. Women who use this product have always been slim and beautiful.
6. According to recent studies, maitake destroys the HIV virus. This is scientifically proven, therefore, appropriate drugs are being created.

Features

Maitake is on the list of legendary mushrooms used in Chinese folk medicine. Here are some more of its features:

1. His story begins many centuries ago. The knowledge of the mushroom is as ancient as dragon legends and elixirs of eternal youth.
2. Although the plant has a long history, modern pharmacology has recently studied it. The beneficial properties of maitake mushroom have been identified based on scientific data and analysis of the composition.
3. The mushroom usually grows in hard-to-reach places, in the depths of forests.
4. He chooses dark warm places under the roots of fruit trees.
5. Usually, the fungus is found under peach, apricot, cherry and plum trees, although sometimes it grows under oak. Many believe that the choice of location creates a pleasant taste and original aroma.
6. It is difficult to search for a mushroom, as it is well camouflaged. Maitake merges perfectly with fallen leaves, and looks like ordinary growths characteristic of tree trunks and roots. Therefore, many pass by such a plant.
7. Maitake is different from other leathery porous mushrooms.

Nutritional value

Judging by the reviews, Maitake mushroom is used in the preparation of delicious dishes. It has a high nutritional value. 100 g of product contains:

• proteins - 1.94 g;
• fats - 0.19g;
• carbs - 4.27

Calorie content is 31 Kcal. Mushrooms also contain 0.53 g of ash and 90.37 g of water. The product contains fiber, vitamins PP, B, D, polysaccharides, amino acids.

Benefit

Chinese healers knew about the beneficial properties of the maiteke mushroom many centuries ago. Previously, this amazing plant was not taken seriously by many, so they began to study the benefits of the product only a few decades ago. Maitake benefits include:

• protection against viruses, bacteria that have a negative effect on the hepatitis C, B virus;
• removal of inflammation, tumors;
• improvementimmunity;
• normalization of the state during menopause;
• restoration of the nervous system;
• mood boost;
• preventing the degeneration of a malignant tumor;
• fat breakdown;
• pressure reduction;
• diabetes help;
• fight against tumors;
• liver recovery;
• prevention of SARS, influenza, smallpox and other viral diseases;
• tuberculosis treatment;
• eliminate chronic fatigue;
• strengthening bones;
• weight loss.

And you don't have to go into the forest to look for maitake. It can be bought at a pharmacy. It is sold in powder and capsules.

Harm and contraindications

The fungus itself does no harm. There are only a few contraindications. It should not be consumed when:

• individual intolerance;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• Children under 12.

Cooking

Due to the properties of the Maitake mushroom, its use is in demand in cooking. The aroma of mushrooms has a hint of bread smell. Sometimes there are sweet motives. In America, a packaged drink is produced in which mushroom powder is added to tea leaves.

There are many methods of making maitake. The most popular recipes include the following:

• roasted with shrimp, adding almonds, spices, cheese;
• preparation of tonic drinks;
• use in sauces, broths, vegetable soups;
• cooking seasoning;
• mushrooms can be an independent dish.

Mushrooms are used in pizza making:

1. The oven is heated to 220 degrees. If the dough is thick, bake it in advance.
2. Heat the frying pan, mince the garlic (4 cloves), chop the onion (1 pc.). Everything is quickly fried in 30 seconds. Garlic and onions should not be burnt.
3. Then, chopped mushroom (450 g) is added, fried over high heat for 3-5 minutes. Optionally, 50 ml of dry wine is added.
4. Maitake should have a brown tint.
5. Gornonzola cheese (30 g) is laid out on the dough.
6. Then comes a layer of mushrooms with vegetables, fontina cheese (250 g).
7. Pizza is in the oven, it should be golden brown.

The resulting dish can be a main dish or serve as an appetizer. It is best to serve it warm, but not hot. Pizza pairs well with red wines.

In medicine

Maitake mushroom is known to be used in medicine. This is due to the medicinal properties of the product. Below are several recipes that allow you to treat and prevent serious ailments.

Tincture

The resulting remedy fights obesity, many of the ailments that were mentioned earlier. Another tincture stimulates the immune system, is used in the fight against tumors.

You will need a dried mushroom (3 tablespoons), which must be crushed and poured with vodka. The bottle is closed, infused for 14 days in a cool, dark place. Straining is not required. Drink withthe resulting sediment.

The remedy is taken 2-3 times a day 30 minutes before meals. Depending on the degree of the disease, the portion is 1-3 tsp. The course is 90–120 days.

Wine

Drink based on the mushroom, fights obesity, strengthens the immune system. He also cures various tumors.

It will take 3 tbsp. l. dried product, which is crushed. Then the mixture is poured with Cahors, closed and infused for 14 days in a dark and cool place. No need to strain.

Wine is accepted as well as tincture. In this case, the same portions and conditions apply. The course of treatment is 90–120 days.

Butter

The product is effective for obesity. The tool breaks down fats. It is also combined with other folk and medical remedies that are used in the fight against cancer.

Requires 3 tbsp. l. dried mushroom, which is crushed and poured with olive oil (500 g). The container is closed, infused for 14 days in a cool and dark place. The oil does not strain.

Take the product in 1, 2 or 3 tsp. 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals. The course lasts 90 days. Then you need a break of 10 days, and then the course is repeated again.

Powder

It is used to combat various ailments mentioned above. The powder should be at home, it is added to dishes for prevention. It is also bred in water.

Maitake needs to be washed, dried, placed in a coffee grinder to obtain a powder. It will take 0.5 g of the product, which is poured with boiled water (1 cup). Insist 8 hours.

The mixture is consumed during the day for 3 doses. The powder is used 20 minutes before meals, but before that the product is shaken. Treatment is 90 days. In case of a serious illness, the rate increases.

Extract

Maitake mushroom extract is effective. It is sold in the form of capsules and drops. There are powders saturated with zinc and iron. The extract is convenient and can be accurately dosed.

Taking such a product gives the following results:

1. Activation of the immune system.
2. Improve metabolism.
3. Normalization of menopausal manifestations.
4. Reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
5. Removal of bad cholesterol.
6. Reducing pressure.
7. Locking cirrhosis.

Extract used for:

• high blood pressure;
• endocrine problems;
• diabetes;
• liver lesions;
• fungal lesions;
• acute viral diseases and infections;
• obese.

It is advisable to consult a doctor first. It is important to consider not only the benefits, but also contraindications.

Where to buy?

It is difficult to buy a fresh mushroom in Russia. Many note the external similarity of curly vulture and oyster mushrooms. But the latter are grown at home, and maitaki is a mushroom pharmacy, a healer. No plant or mushroom has such properties.

You can buy a mushroom through specialized stores that are in major cities. More products can be purchased through online stores. Shipping nationwide.