Matsutake Mushrooms

Matsutake mushrooms are the world's most expensive mushrooms, cherished by fine-diners in Japan throughout the autumn season. Because of the disappearance of their natural environment in Japan, the price continues to rise.

They are not as expensive as white truffles, but Japanese Matsutake mushrooms, Armillaria ponderosa, of the genus Tricholoma, are the most expensive mushrooms in the world. Master chefs choose them out for matsutake preparations in rytei restaurants because of their rich autumnal flavor, meaty texture, and sweet scent.

Matsutake is the most costly mushroom on the planet, costing up to $1,000 a pound. The flavor of these Japanese mushrooms is sweet but spicy, and it takes a while to get used to it! The pinewood nematode worm is destroying its native environment, which is one of the reasons they're so expensive. Only once a year is the Matsutake mushroom harvested.

The harvest is fewer than 1,000 tonnes every year. To let the unique flavor of these mushrooms show through, cook them with minimum spice.

Price: $600 - $1,000 a pound