Hypsizygus tessulatus
Beech mushroom
Clamshell mushroom
Buna-shimeji (the brown variety, Japanese) Bunapi-shimeji is the white form.
The beech mushroom is very popular in Japan and is intensively cultivated there.
Its origin is in the temperate regions of Europe, Asia and North America.
Grows on: elm, beech, birch, poplar, willow, oak, maple and other hardwoods.
Preparation and taste: "Matsutake for the smell, Shimeji for the taste" is a Japanese saying. Again, the taste, which is sweet nutty, is much appreciated.
Is stir-fried, incorporated into soups and sauces.
Attributed medicinal properties: Recent Japanese research shows that this species is active in reducing cancer cells.
