Chestnut Mushrooms (Dried)

Chestnut mushrooms are native to northern and central mainland Europe and have also been recorded in parts of North America. Chestnut mushrooms have dense tufts with conjoined stem bases and can be found low down on trunks or on stumps and large fallen branches. The generic name Pholiota means scaly, and the specific epithet adiposa comes from the Latin noun adeps meaning lard, or grease – a reference to the greasy cap surface of this woodland mushroom. It’s mild earthy flavor has notes of a peppery finish, and the texture excites an average dish with variation and plays very well in creme sauces. It adds a wonderful flavor to miso and other brothy soups. You can also add it to a stir fry or substitute into your favorite sauce recipe. It can be seared with garlic and oil or butter and added atop a salad or in spring rolls.

Chestnut mushrooms are rich in polysaccharides which the body uses as a primary source of energy and has been shown to protect and fight back against bacterial infections and tumor growth.