Golden Thread Mushrooms
Estimated Inventory, lb : 2.50
This item was last sold on : 11/19/24
Description/Taste
Golden Thread mushrooms are very small in size, averaging 2-8 centimeters in length, and are slender, thin, and elongated in shape. Each mushroom has a curved profile, a yellow-orange hue with a light, bumpy texture, and a club-like cap that appears as a bulbous, rounded end on the thin stem. Inside the mushroom, the flesh is pale orange to white and is spongy and soft. When consumed, Golden Thread mushrooms are tender with a musky aroma and a mild, earthy, and slightly sweet flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Cultivated Golden Thread mushrooms are available year-round in Asia, and wild Golden Thread mushrooms are available in limited quantities in the summer.
Current Facts
Golden Thread mushrooms, botanically classified as Cordyceps militaris, are a species belonging to the Cordyceps genus that forms a unique parasitic relationship with different insect species. Typically growing on the larva of moths and butterflies, hair-like fibers known as mycelium colonize themselves in the insect, feeding off it until the insect parishes, and then sprouts the mushroom in order to release spores into the air to repeat the process. Golden Thread mushrooms are popular in Asia, used in many traditional Eastern medicine remedies, and are also cultivated in Asia for year-round use, growing on grains and rice substrates.
Nutritional Value
Golden Thread mushrooms contain vitamins D and K, essential amino acids, and immune supporting polysaccharides and beta-glucans.
Applications
Golden Thread mushrooms are best suited for both raw and cooked applications such as braising or sautéing. They can be used whole or sliced in green salads, pickled for extended use, or added to soups, stews, and curries for color and texture. They can also be sautéed and mixed into stir-fries, pasta such as linguine, or risotto. Golden Thread mushrooms pair well with soy, sesame oil, green onion, chives, shallots, ginger, garlic, bok choy, bell peppers, bamboo shoots, watercress, meats such as poultry, fish, and pork, tofu, lentils, goji berries, dates, and sauces with dry white wine. They will keep up to a week when stored loosely in a paper bag in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Golden Thread mushrooms are commonly used in Eastern medicine and are consumed as a health food in China, Korea, and Japan. The Chinese believe that Golden Thread mushrooms strengthen the immune system, have anti-aging abilities, provide increased energy and endurance, and can help repair damage to the lungs and liver. The mushrooms are consumed in daily meals and were also made into a tonic and put into capsules in traditional medicine. Today Golden Thread mushrooms are being used in many Asian pharmaceuticals and are being researched for increased immune benefits.
Geography/History
Golden Thread mushrooms are native to Asia and Europe and have been growing wild since ancient times. They were first recorded by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 as Clavaria militaris and over time were reclassified into Cordyceps militaris. Today Golden Thread mushrooms are cultivated and found growing wild, sold in specialty grocers, medicinal shops, and farmers markets in Asia, European countries such as Slovenia, and select regions of the United States.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Tahona (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| The Plot Restaurant (Costa Mesa) | Costa Mesa CA | 714-852-3181 |
| Marriott Marina Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-234-1500 |
| Herb & Wood | San Diego CA | 520-205-1288 |
| Fairmont Grand Del Mar | San Diego CA | 858-314-1975 |
| Adobo House | San Diego CA | 619-990-8340 |
| DS Catering Kitchen | Chula Vista CA | 619-703-9321 |
| Mille Fleurs | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-3085 |
| insideOUT | San Diego CA | 619-888-8623 |
| Webbcreationfood LLC | San Diego CA | 619-829-9194 |
| The Guild Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-764-5108 |
| US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| The Plot | Oceanside CA | 422-266-8200 |
| Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| Javier Plascencia | Bonita CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Ju-Ichi | San Diego CA | 619-800-2203 |
| Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-944-1631 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Rancho Bernardo Inn (Avant) | San Diego CA | 858-675-8505 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Golden Thread Mushrooms. One
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