Matsutake mushrooms, scientifically known as Tricholoma matsutake, are highly prized and aromatic wild mushrooms that are found in various parts of the world, including Asia, Europe, and North America. They have a distinct and strong fragrance, often described as a combination of spices, pine, and earthy notes.
These mushrooms have a unique appearance with a white to beige stem, a round cap covered in coarse scales, and gills that are initially white but mature into a darker color. Matsutakes are mycorrhizal, meaning they form a symbiotic relationship with trees, particularly conifers, and rely on these trees for their growth.