Nameko mushrooms, also known as butterscotch mushrooms or forest nameko, are a type of fungus native to Japan. Nameko mushrooms are found in forests growing on dead oak and beech logs during late autumn through winter. Nameko mushrooms are amber orange with smooth round caps that are glossy with a layer of natural gelatin. These mushrooms are prized for their firm, silky, and slippery texture and their excellent flavor that is nutty, fruity, and earthy with a butterscotch-like aroma.
Uses: Nameko mushrooms are used as a natural thickener for sauces and soups. They are a common addition to miso soup for their flavor or as to thicken sauces for stir-fry dishes without the use of starches.