Amankora’s Matsutake season in Bhutan

Revered in Japan the pine (matsu) mushroom (take) is the most anticipated of the autumn flavours and is so greatly cherished it is often given as a gift. However the matsutake resembles much more than a kind gesture, or thoughtful gift, it symbolises fertility, good fortunes and happiness.

The matsutake reveals a strong cinnamon aroma, which helps tell when it has been cooked for long enough. The local people say that the matsutake is ready, when you can eat its aroma. The matsutake is very good for your health, low in fat, high in vitamin B, and high in protein, the matsutake provides many different health benefits.

These precious mushrooms can be found from August up until early October. People who go looking for the matsutake say it can only be found at the base of certain types of trees, but favours the red pine. The matsutake mushroom never grows in the same place twice either, making it rather unreliable to find.

The matsutake unique flavouring is much sought after by all types of gastronomes everywhere, and people native to China will happily pay over £200, (over 25,000 yen) for a small amount of matsutake mushrooms. Tourists visiting Japan can now have a variety of dishes (matsutake being the main ingredient, of course) prepared for them by a top chef, and will also be able to witness the matsutake being collected in its natural habitat.

To explore Butan why not try our Bhutan, the Dragon Kingdom tour? To book your Bhutan adventure click here or call our experts now on 08456 345 114.

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