Grifola frondosa
Record ID:52Naming |
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| Botanical Name: | Grifola frondosa |
| Common Names: | Maitake mushroom, Hen of the woods, Ram's head |
| Key Name: | Maitake |
| Parts Used: | The fruiting body (mushroom) is primarily used for therapeutic purposes. |
| Sister Plants: | No sister plants specified; mushrooms lack typical plant relationships |
| Comments: | Maitake is considered safe for consumption, with very low toxicity levels. Highly edible and prized for its taste and potential health benefits. Environmental Considerations: Fresh: Store in a paper bag in the refrigerator for up to a week. Dried: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for several months. Extracts: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for storage. Pros: Can be cultivated sustainably without damaging natural habitats. Cons: Wild harvesting can disturb the ecosystems where it naturally grow. Polysaccharides: Beta-glucans: These are the primary polysaccharides found in maitake mushrooms. Beta-glucans are known for their immune-enhancing properties and potential anti-cancer effects. Amino Acids: Maitake mushrooms contain various essential and non-essential amino acids, including but not limited to: Glutamine Arginine Leucine Lysine Phenylalanine Minerals: Maitake mushrooms are a good source of several minerals necessary for the body's function, such as: Potassium Calcium Magnesium Phosphorus Vitamins: Maitake mushrooms provide various B-vitamins, which are essential for metabolism and overall well-being. Sterols: Maitake mushrooms contain ergosterol, which can be converted to vitamin D when exposed to sunlight or UV light. Lipids: Maitake mushrooms have a low fat content, primarily composed of healthy fats like linoleic acid. Nucleotides: Adenosine and uridine, which play essential roles in cellular metabolism. Enzymes: Various enzymes that aid in digestion and metabolic processes. Proteins: Maitake mushrooms contain proteins that are a source of essential amino acids required for protein synthesis and other biological functions. Phytonutrients: These include various bioactive compounds that contribute to the potential health benefits o |
Characteristics |
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| Identifying Character: | Edible mushroom with a large, clustered fruiting body resembling overlapping fan-shaped petals or rosettes, often ruffled and layered like hen feathers |
| Stem: | Maitake mushrooms have a thick, central stem that connects the caps to the base. The stem is firm and often tough, with a white to light brown color. |
| Leaves: | Mushrooms lack leaves |
| Flowers: | Mushrooms lack flowers |
| Fruit: | Fruiting Body: The maitake mushroom has a large, distinctive, and clustered fruiting body that resembles overlapping fan-shaped petals or rosettes. The caps are often ruffled and layered, resembling the appearance of a hen's feathers, thus earning it the common name ''hen of the woods.'' Caps range in color from pale to dark gray-brown and may have lighter edges.Size: The individual caps can range from a few inches to over a foot in diameter, with the entire cluster weighing several pounds. |
| Taste: | The taste is savoury and mild, making it a versatile culinary ingredient. |
| Odour: | Maitake mushrooms have a pleasant, distinctive odor that is often described as spicy or earthy. |
| Root: | |
| Image: |
Image URL: https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse4.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.EMAlI8kQ0IVwyQEZvpvpAgHaE8%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=4357e42f79ab661f23bb67ab15c20f81698923f1af07095f96ca364c53d46b0a&ipo=images |
Distribution |
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| Distribution: | Gills: Unlike typical gilled mushrooms, maitake mushrooms don't have distinct gills. Instead, |
| Cultivation: | Typically grows at the base of trees, particularly oaks.Controlled indoor cultivation is also possible using specialized growing techniques. |
| Harvest: | Harvested when the mushroom is in its prime and has fully developed. |
Medical |
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| Therapeutic Action: | Immunostimulant |
| Medical Uses: | May aid in diabetes management and support in cancer treatments (ongoing research) Potential applications in diabetes and cancer treatment (consult a healthcare professional). |
| Constituents: | Polysaccharides (e.g., beta-glucans) Amino acids Minerals (e.g., potassium, calcium, magnesium) Vitamins (e.g., B-vitamins) |
| Solvents: | Typically prepared by cooking or drying, but no specific solvents are used. |
| Dosage: | |
| Administration: | |
| Formulas: | |
| Contra Indications: | Individuals with allergies to mushrooms should avoid maitake consumption. |
| Preparation: | cooked |
| Chinese: | Used in traditional Chinese medicine to support the immune system and improve overall health. |
| Veterinary: | Some studies suggest potential benefits for animals in boosting the immune system. |
| Homeopathic: | Used in homeopathy for various health conditions (consult a homeopathic practitioner for details). |
Pollination and Pollinators |
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| Apis: | No |
| Pollinator: | |
| Pollen: | No |
| Pollen Notes: | |
| Nectar: | No |
| Nectar Notes: | |
Other |
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| Non-Medical Uses: | |
| Culinary Uses: | Often used in various culinary dishes like soups, stir-fries, and salads due to its unique flavor and texture.Maitake mushrooms can be prepared in various ways: Cooking: Sauteeing, grilling, or stir-frying are common methods to bring out their flavor. Drying: They can be dried for extended shelf life and later rehydrated for cooking. Extracts: Used to make tinctures, powders, or supplements for concentrated benefits. |
| History: | |
| Reference: | MFF,Medicinal and Functiona Proper |
| URL: | https://usbm.ca/ency |
| Share: | Public |