Calories in Mushroom, maitake

What makes mushroom so powerful?

Maitake (Grifola frondosa) is a polypore mushroom that grows at the base of oak and elm trees, forming large, overlapping clusters that can weigh up to 50 pounds. Its Japanese name translates to "dancing mushroom," a reference to the joy medieval foragers supposedly felt upon discovering it, as it was highly prized and occasionally traded for its weight in silver. In North America, it is commonly called "hen of the woods" due to its ruffled, feathered appearance resembling a nesting fowl. Beyond its culinary appeal, maitake contains a unique beta-glucan known as D-fraction, located primarily in the fruiting body. This specific polysaccharide has been the subject of extensive immunological research, particularly in Japan, for its ability to stimulate macrophages and natural killer cells. Unlike standard button mushrooms, maitake's complex branching structure provides a dense, meaty texture that holds up exceptionally well to high-heat roasting, allowing its frond-like edges to crisp while the core remains tender and juicy.