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.