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Tricholoma murrillianum, known as the American matsutake or pine mushroom, is a prized edible mushroom highly valued in Asian cuisine. It is mycorrhizal, forming a symbiotic relationship with specific trees, particularly pines. The mushroom is characterized by its distinctive spicy-aromatic odor, firm texture, and unique flavor profile.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is typically convex to broadly convex, often with a slightly inrolled margin when young. The color ranges from whitish to buff or light brown, often with darker brown or reddish-brown stains or scales. The surface is often sticky or slimy when moist.
- Gills
- The gills are crowded, adnate to slightly decurrent, and white to cream-colored.
- Stem
- The stem is stout, solid, and white to light brown, often with a ring or ring zone. The stem surface can be smooth to slightly scaly or fibrillose.
- Flesh
- The flesh is firm and white.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is large and fleshy, with a substantial stem and cap.
- Habitat
- It is found in coniferous forests, particularly those with pine trees. It forms mycorrhizal associations with the roots of these trees.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Sticky or slimy when moist, often with scales.
- Growth Form: Solitary or in small groups.
- Spore Print: White.
- Body color: Whitish to buff or light brown.
- Odor: Spicy and aromatic.
- Flesh bruises: Does not typically bruise.
- Height: 5-20 cm
- Cap Diameter: 5-20 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal.
Safe
SafeTricholoma murrillianum is not considered toxic and is highly sought after for its culinary value.
Quick Check
- Odor: Distinctive spicy and aromatic.
- Fruiting: Late summer to fall.
- Substrate: Pine forests, mycorrhizal with pine trees.
Where to Find
Pacific Northwest, USA
Common in coniferous forests of the Pacific Northwest.
British Columbia, Canada
Found in pine forests throughout British Columbia.
Finding Tips
Look Near Pine Trees
Search in areas with a high density of pine trees, especially those with well-drained soil.
Check After Rainfall
Matsutake often appears after periods of rainfall in the late summer and fall.
Similar Species
Tricholoma magnivelare
a similar species
Also known as: North American Matsutake
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Tricholomataceae
- Genus
- Tricholoma
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 38
- Freezing duration: 3-6 months
- Min Temperature: 34
- Refrigeration: 1-2 weeks
How to Clean
Gently brush off any dirt or debris from the cap and stem. Avoid washing unless necessary, as they can become waterlogged. A soft brush or a slightly damp cloth can be used to clean the surface.
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