noun
maitake mushroom; hen-of-the-woods
A polypore mushroom (Grifola frondosa) used in Japanese cuisine; known for its frilly, clustered appearance.
秋になると、山でマイタケが採れる。
In autumn, you can find maitake mushrooms in the mountains.
マイタケの天ぷらは香りが良くて美味しい。
Maitake tempura has a wonderful aroma and is delicious.
The name 舞茸 (maitake) literally means 'dancing mushroom,' possibly from the joy of finding it or its fluttering shape. The exact origin is uncertain.