Cyclocybe aegerita
The Pioppino, known here as the Poplar Fieldcap or Poplar Mushroom, cha shu gu (茶树菇) in China, Yanagi-matsutake (柳松茸) in Japan, features a lovely brown cap in the center that fades to cream toward the edge. Its surface is velvety—hence the English name “Velvet Pioppino”—and its firmer stem gives a crunchy touch to dishes.
History
Originally from China and Japan, where it grows on tea trees (cha shu gu means “tea tree mushroom”), the Pioppino—plural Pioppini—was already cultivated in ancient Rome on poplar stumps. It is mentioned in the manuscripts of Pliny the Elder (Naturalis Historia, around 77 AD), likely brought by merchants traveling through Persia at the time. Since then, it has become a pearl of Tuscany among cultivated mushrooms in Italy.
After winning over America in recent decades, it is now making a comeback in Europe to our great delight. Whether grown indoors on sawdust bags or outdoors on wood logs, it produces beautiful little clusters of mushrooms worthy of fairy tales.
Note: Do not confuse it with the famous “Chiodino” mushroom, which it closely resembles—this is the Honey Fungus (Armillaria mellea).
Taste Experience
If you enjoy the umami taste of gourmet mushrooms, you must try Pioppino. This mushroom has an earthy, nutty, slightly sweet flavor with peppery notes. Its aroma is subtly floral and its texture is firm and crunchy, often described as crisp. The stem, diced, may require a bit longer cooking time for larger specimens. This mushroom is perfect for soups, salads, and stir-fried dishes.
Recipe Ideas
Sautéed or in sauce
Recipes coming soon!
In risotto
Recipes coming soon!
On pizza
Recipes coming soon!
Marinated
Recipes coming soon!
In soup
Recipes coming soon!
In salad
Recipes coming soon!
Functional and Medicinal Aspects
We are currently reading and sorting the most useful scientific articles for you about Pioppino. If you wish to start your own research now, here are direct links to the sites listing all known scientific articles to date: cyclocybe aegerita – Search Results – PubMed (nih.gov) et agrocybe aegerita – Search Results – PubMed (nih.gov), (its scientific name was updated a few years ago).
Disclaimer:
It is important to note that studies on the therapeutic properties of these mushrooms are still ongoing.
The information on our website does not replace professional medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.
Please consult a doctor before using Pioppino for medicinal purposes. Results may vary between individuals.