Matsutake -

[b0bbyg]

Did a little searching of old threads and don't think there is a matsutake thread out there.  Some info in other Shroom threads but not a thread dedicated to these sneaky little buggers that I cannot find 

Spent one day each of the last 2 weekends and have not found a single one yet,  Found 4-5 other edible mushrooms as well as several that are pushing up the duff on the forest floor. Just not the ones I am looking for.  I have been wandering around areas of Gifford Pinchot various terrains and elevations. 

Is anyone finding them right now?  are they above or below certain elevations, are they in areas with thicker or more open vegetation? I don't feel like I have been anywhere that they are currently because I see no signs of people or animals digging them out.  Are there other types of mushrooms that start appearing the same time that are indicators?

I understand that matsutake spots are like hunting honey holes, so really just asking for input from those who find them not a spot to look.

[pianoman9701]

My matsy buddy found some in GPNF last week. Sandy soil at about 2K'. West of the Yakima Nation.

[b0bbyg]

My matsy buddy found some in GPNF last week. Sandy soil at about 2K'. West of the Yakima Nation.

Thanks,  most of my searching was 3K and above although took a few walks between 2,200 and 2,600.   I know I have seen people that appeared to be matsu hunters in the past in some of the areas I was.

might try again before the year is out

[pianoman9701]

Just make sure of the ID.

[b0bbyg]

I feel pretty confident even though I have never found one    famous last words right

I have stopped at the trout lake buyer and seen the real ones, So far I have only found the fake ones they won't buy but are edible and pretty sure I have found the dangerous look alikes.  Just left those where I found them.

[Jake Dogfish]

Easiest way is to find a candy stick plant in the summer and go back when the mushrooms are fruiting.

[b0bbyg]

Easiest way is to find a candy stick plant in the summer and go back when the mushrooms are fruiting.

I have read this somewhere, possibly the book I have.   This will be something I will be watching for next year for sure.

[pianoman9701]

I feel pretty confident even though I have never found one    famous last words right

I have stopped at the trout lake buyer and seen the real ones, So far I have only found the fake ones they won't buy but are edible and pretty sure I have found the dangerous look alikes.  Just left those where I found them.

The aroma is the give away. If it doesn't smell like dirty feet and cinnamon, it's not a matsutake.

[boatloader]

Found them for the first time last year by sheer dumb luck. Went back to the exact same spot yesterday and got these bad boys. The spot is at sea level. The soil is sandy but you can't tell until you dig down a few inches past the moss and pine needles. These were amongst some salal and ferns on the edge of some reprod, underneath a full grown hemlock. Only one little flash of white was starting to peak through, and I found the rest still underground after some careful digging around.

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[boatloader]

Tried em marinated in soy sauce and ginger and roasted on the fire... Pretty good! Very unique to be sure. I definitely smell the cinamonny notes but not really the dirty sock thing that has become synonymous with them thanks to David Arora. More like pine, and wet dirt with cinnamon. They tasted way better than it sounds lol

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[pianoman9701]

Tried em marinated in soy sauce and ginger and roasted on the fire... Pretty good! Very unique to be sure. I definitely smell the cinamonny notes but not really the dirty sock thing that has become synonymous with them thanks to David Arora. More like pine, and wet dirt with cinnamon. They tasted way better than it sounds lol

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They're the mushroom I've been harvesting the longest and one of my top three favorites, along with morels and porcinis. Chanterelles come in at a close 4th.

[pianoman9701]

I slice them thin and steam them with sake and Tamari soy. Traditional Japanese preparation other than raw.

[boatloader]

I slice them thin and steam them with sake and Tamari soy. Traditional Japanese preparation other than raw.

Nice! I wanted to make the Japanese Gohan rice dish, but I didn't have all the ingredients. And it was about time to get the rugrats ready for trick or treating!

Hank Shaw is one of my go tos for recipes
https://honest-food.net/matsutake-mushroom-recipe/

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[pianoman9701]

They look delicious on that grill.

[b0bbyg]

Nice finds!

Looks like they are popping down low in your spot, So curious what gets them going is it a temp thing or moisture or both?
Also wonder if they are like berries where they start at one elevation and then move up or down over time or elevation only matters as it pertains to temps.

I think if they were easier like a Chanterelle it would not be as interesting to me    I think I have found enough of the others that it is just the challenge and learning that is keeping me searching!

Funny thing is I am not a huge mushroom eater, but I love going and finding them. but I am slowly learning to eat them more and more.
Have some bearshead in the garage need to figure out what to do with it.

[pd]

Next time, slice them just a litter bit thinner, then slowly roast them in your cast iron skillet WITHOUT any oil.  Turn frequently.  They have to sweat first before they are ready.  Get a bit of a crisp on the surface, but not dry.

Serve with freshly squeezed lemon juice and salt (non-iodized).

No need for heavy flavorings such as soya sauce.

[boatloader]

Next time, slice them just a litter bit thinner, then slowly roast them in your cast iron skillet WITHOUT any oil.  Turn frequently.  They have to sweat first before they are ready.  Get a bit of a crisp on the surface, but not dry.

Serve with freshly squeezed lemon juice and salt (non-iodized).

No need for heavy flavorings such as soya sauce.

I will definitely try that next time. I like to try things as simple as possible to to get to know an ingredient before I start thinking of what else to do with it

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[boatloader]

Nice finds!

Looks like they are popping down low in your spot, So curious what gets them going is it a temp thing or moisture or both?
Also wonder if they are like berries where they start at one elevation and then move up or down over time or elevation only matters as it pertains to temps.

I think if they were easier like a Chanterelle it would not be as interesting to me    I think I have found enough of the others that it is just the challenge and learning that is keeping me searching!

Funny thing is I am not a huge mushroom eater, but I love going and finding them. but I am slowly learning to eat them more and more.
Have some bearshead in the garage need to figure out what to do with it.

This is what I've always wanted to try with a lions mane or bearshead... "crab" cakes!

https://foragerchef.com/hericium-crabcakes/

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