October is Shokuyoku no Aki. The direct translation of Shokuyoku no Aki is "Autumn, the increased appetite."
At this time, the waters, fields, and mountains are abundant with autumn delicacies, such as Matsutake mushrooms, chestnuts, sweet potatoes, Chum salmon, Hairy crab, Red snow crab, and sea bream.
The autumn fruits include kaki persimmon, juicy pears, giant Kyoho grapes, and figs. Luckily, the lessened appetite during hot summer months rebounds, and we are ready to savor all of these autumn delicacies.
Let me delve a bit deeper into my favorite Matsutake mushroom, known as the king of mushrooms, renowned for its most aromatic characteristics.
In Japan, the highest quality mushrooms fetch an astronomically high price – $800/lb! This type of mushroom is often served in high-end restaurants.
Japanese Domestic Matsutake
20,000 Yen ($134/100g)
Oregon Matustake Mushroom
$130/lb
The best matsutake mushrooms come from the Tanba region in Kyoto Prefecture.
The price of mushrooms, however, varies significantly based on quality, harvesting time, and location. I cannot pass October without making a dobin-bushi, a soup prepared and served in an individual teapot.
A decade ago, an upstate mushroom forager set up his stand at the Union Square Farmers Market, NYC, selling fairly good-quality local Matsutake mushrooms at a reasonable price at this time of the season. Unfortunately, this vendor has disappeared from the market, and I now source the one grown in Oregon online or at a Japanese store in the City.
