Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) is a medicinal and culinary mushroom. In Japanese, “maitake” means “dancing mushroom”[1], possibly because people danced joyfully when they first discovered it, although the name may simply be due to its unique appearance. During Japan’s feudal era, maitake held such value that it was used as a form of currency, worth its weight in silver.[2] Maitake is still considered an elite culinary mushroom in Japan.[3]
Maitake mushrooms are commonly found in North America and Asia; while they are also present in Europe, they are less common there.[3] These mushrooms typically grow in clusters at the base of trees with broad leaves, such as oaks, but are also found on chestnut, elm, and maple trees.[4]