maitake mushroom; hen-of-the-woods
A polypore mushroom (Grifola frondosa) used in Japanese cuisine; known for its frilly, clustered appearance.
In autumn, you can find maitake mushrooms in the mountains.
マイタケの天ぷらは香りが良くて美味しい。
Maitake tempura has a wonderful aroma and is delicious.
umbrella polypore; Polyporus umbellatus
Katakana spelling is common for this mushroom name; usually written in kana.
Hiragana spelling, also common.
Kanji spelling; less common than kana forms but still used, especially in culinary or traditional contexts.
The name 舞茸 (maitake) literally means 'dancing mushroom,' possibly from the joy of finding it or its fluttering shape. The exact origin is uncertain.