The Precious Wine from Nature

One special species of mushroom, used in fermenting wine, yields a medley of nutritional and health benefits.

Mushroom wine is considered both precious and healthy. Of the many species, only certain kinds of mushrooms can be used to make wine. Tricoloma matsutake, or simply Matsutake in Japanese, is one such murshroom. Matsutake used to be a valuable gift for Japanese Mikados ( Emperors ). Matsutake in Vietnamese name is nam Tung Nhung or Tung Nhung murshroom.

Nam Tung Nhung - Matsutake

Matsutake is quite valued in Vietnam, China, Japan and Europe. Unlike other mushrooms that grow in dead wood, the Matsutake thrives in the roots of living pine trees and some relatives of the pine tree. The bacteria of Matsutake attaches to the roots. then develops into a fungus. Since the Matsutake can only survive on pine tree roots less than 10 cm deep in the earth, the mushroom is rare. Matsutake therefore usually is found in mountainous areas where the soil is not too thick. It cannot be cultivated, but only harvested from nature.

Matsutake has a thick stem, its flesh is rich in protein, fat substances, fibrous matters, and vitamins. The mushroom is good for  general health, digestion pain relief, and also prevents diabetes and cancer.

Matsutake wine is specially made according to a coveted recipe handed down from generation to generation. Only freshly harvested medium or small-sized Matsutakes can be used. The mushroorns are cleaned and then soaked in white wine and other secret ingredients. After exactly six months, the wine can be imbibed. Regular intake of Matsutake wine is believed to have substantial health benefits. Matsutake wine has a yellow color, an unusual aroma. With one sip, the unique flavor of sweet mushroom remains long lasting in the throat. Matsutake wine is deerned most suitable along with dishes made from mushrooms, such as mushroom salad, mushroom fried rice, and

rnushroom hot-pot (which is a specialty of Mushroom Hot-Pot Restaurant).

Not as strong as white wine, not as sweet as syrah, not as pungent as strong whiskey, Matsutake wine has a distinguishable flavor unlike any other alcohol. The lucky liquor connoisseurs who get to taste this special wine ralely forget the experience - one which ties in both flavor and health.

 Toni Nguyen

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