Enjoying Japan’s Autumn Flavors: A Gourmet Guide to Matsutake, Chestnuts, and Sweet Potatoes

Hello everyone! The season of autumn flavors has arrived! Autumn is a season rich with delicious ingredients. Today, we are focusing on three particularly popular items: “Matsutake,” “Chestnuts,” and “Sweet Potatoes,” and introducing exquisite gourmet dishes made from these ingredients.

While Matsutake often gives the impression of being an expensive delicacy, it can actually be enjoyed in various types of cuisine. Furthermore, chestnuts and sweet potatoes are versatile ingredients that shine in a wide range of genres, from sweets to main courses.

In this article, we will thoroughly cover the charms of Matsutake, Chestnuts, and Sweet Potatoes—including delicious ways to eat them, recommended recipes, and information on stores and events where you can enjoy these seasonal ingredients.

Come, let’s fully savor the flavors of Japanese autumn together!

The King of Autumn Delicacies: Matsutake

Matsutake is a premium mushroom known for its unique aroma and texture. In Japan, it has long been cherished as the king of autumn delicacies.

1. The Charm of Matsutake

Aroma: Matsutake’s greatest feature is its rich, fragrant aroma. This scent is attributed to components like “Matsutakeol” and “Methyl Guaiacol,” which are said to stimulate appetite and have a relaxing effect.
Texture: It has a crisp bite that releases umami the more you chew it.
Rarity: Because artificial cultivation is difficult, and natural harvests are limited, Matsutake is considered a high-priced ingredient.
Nutrition: It is rich in dietary fiber, B vitamins, minerals, and more.

2. How to Choose Matsutake

Size: Choose mushrooms that have opened partially but are not fully spread open.
Stipe (Stem): Select those with thick, firm, and elastic stems.
Aroma: Choose specimens with a strong, characteristic Matsutake fragrance.
Origin: Domestic Japanese Matsutake are known for their high aroma and superior quality.

3. Delicious Ways to Eat Matsutake

Grilled Matsutake: This method allows you to enjoy the mushroom’s aroma the most. Grilling over charcoal is ideal, but it tastes delicious grilled in a frying pan or toaster oven.
Matsutake Rice: The fragrance of Matsutake infuses the rice, creating a luxurious flavor.
Doppore Mushi (Steamed Mushroom): An elegant dish where the aroma of Matsutake and the umami broth are concentrated.
Clear Soup (Osuimono): A refined soup that highlights the delicate scent of Matsutake.
Tempura: You can enjoy the crispy batter paired with the crisp texture of the Matsutake.

4. Recommended Recipes Using Matsutake

【Easy! Grilled Matsutake】

Ingredients:

Matsutake: Appropriate amount
Sudachi (Citrus): Appropriate amount
Salt: A pinch

Instructions:

Remove the root base from the Matsutake and gently wipe off any dirt.
Cut it lengthwise, or cut larger pieces into bite-sized portions.
Grill in a frying pan or toaster oven until browned.
Squeeze Sudachi juice over the dish and sprinkle with salt to serve.

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【Luxurious! Matsutake Rice】

Ingredients:

Rice: 2 servings
Matsutake: 1–2 stalks
Dashi Stock: 400ml
Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp
Sake (Cooking Wine): 1 tbsp
Salt: A pinch
Mitsuba (Japanese Green Leaf): Appropriate amount

Instructions:

Wash the rice and soak it for about 30 minutes.
Remove the root base from the Matsutake and slice it thinly.
In a rice cooker, add the rice, dashi stock, soy sauce, sake, and salt, and mix lightly.
Arrange the sliced Matsutake on top and cook (steam/cook).
Once cooked, sprinkle with Mitsuba before serving.

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The Representative Autumn Delicacy: Chestnuts

Chestnuts are one of the representative autumn delicacies, characterized by a fluffy texture and gentle sweetness.

1. The Charm of Chestnuts

Sweetness: Chestnut sweetness comes from starch converting to sugar. It is known for its elegant and mild flavor.
Texture: The texture varies by variety, ranging from fluffy to sticky/creamy.
Nutrition: They are rich in Vitamin B1, Vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber, and more.
Diverse Uses: Used in various dishes such as boiled chestnuts, roasted chestnuts, candied chestnuts (Kanro-ni), chestnut rice, and Mont Blanc.

2. How to Choose Chestnuts

Surface: Choose ones with a glossy appearance that are free of scratches or insect damage.
Weight: Select those that feel heavy and substantial.
Size: Avoid overly large ones, as they can sometimes be bland; choose medium-sized ones.

3. Delicious Ways to Eat Chestnuts

Boiled Chestnuts: A simple method that allows you to enjoy the chestnut’s natural flavor.
Roasted Chestnuts: The fragrant aroma stimulates the appetite.
Chestnut Rice: The sweetness of chestnuts pairs perfectly with rice.
Candied Chestnuts (Kanro-ni): A classic New Year’s dish where chestnuts are simmered in sugar.
Mont Blanc: A popular cake using chestnut paste.
Kuri Kinton: A traditional Japanese confection made by mixing chestnuts and sugar.

4. Recommended Recipes Using Chestnuts

【Easy! Boiled Chestnuts】

Ingredients:

Chestnuts: Appropriate amount
Water: Enough to cover the chestnuts
Salt: A pinch

Instructions:

Make an incision in the outer skin of the chestnuts with a knife.
Place the chestnuts, water, and salt in a pot and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for about 30–40 minutes.
When a skewer passes through easily, turn off the heat and drain them in a colander.

【Cozy! Chestnut Rice】

Ingredients:

Rice: 2 servings
Chestnuts (shelled): 200g
Water: 400ml
Sake (Cooking Wine): 1 tbsp
Salt: 1/2 tsp

Instructions:

Wash the rice and soak it for about 30 minutes.
If the chestnuts are large, cut them in half.
In a rice cooker, add the rice, water, sake, and salt, and mix lightly.
Arrange the chestnuts on top and cook (steam/cook).
Once cooked, gently mix before serving.

The Versatile Star of Autumn Delicacies: Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are one of the representative autumn delicacies, characterized by a fluffy texture and natural sweetness.

1. The Charm of Sweet Potatoes

Sweetness: Sweet potato sweetness comes from starch converting to sugar. This sweetness increases further upon heating.
Texture: The texture varies by variety, ranging from fluffy to creamy/sticky.
Nutrition: They are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, dietary fiber, and potassium.
Diverse Uses: Used in various dishes such as baked sweet potatoes (Yakiimo), steamed sweet potatoes, tempura, Daigaku Imo, and sweet potato pies.

2. How to Choose Sweet Potatoes

Surface: Choose ones with uniform skin color that are free of scratches or dents.
Shape: Select those that are plump and have minimal root hairs.
Weight: Choose sweet potatoes that feel heavy and substantial.

3. Delicious Ways to Eat Sweet Potatoes

Baked Sweet Potatoes (Yakiimo): The best way to enjoy the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes.
Steamed Sweet Potatoes (Fukashi Imo): Steaming them gives them a moist, soft texture.
Daigaku Imo: A popular dessert coated in a sweet and savory glaze.
Sweet Potato Pie: A classic Western pastry made with sweet potatoes.
Tempura: You can enjoy the crispy batter paired with the natural sweetness of the potato.
Sweet Potato Rice: The sweetness of sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with rice.

4. Recommended Recipes Using Sweet Potatoes

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【Easy! Baked Sweet Potatoes】

Ingredients:

Sweet Potato: Appropriate amount
Instructions:

Wash the sweet potato thoroughly and wrap it in damp aluminum foil.
Bake slowly in a toaster oven or grill until tender. (Adjust time based on the size of the sweet potatoes.)
Once a skewer passes through easily, turn off the heat and open the foil to serve.

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【Fluffy! Daigaku Imo】

Ingredients:

Sweet Potato: 1 piece
Frying Oil: Appropriate amount
Sugar: 3 tbsp
Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp
Mirin (Cooking Syrup): 1 tbsp
Water: 1 tbsp
Black Sesame Seeds: Appropriate amount

Instructions:

Cut the sweet potato into irregular chunks and soak them in water.
Drain the water, then deep fry in oil heated to 170°C.
In a pot, add sugar, soy sauce, mirin, and water, and bring to a boil.
When it thickens, add the fried sweet potatoes and toss until coated with the glaze.
Sprinkle with black sesame seeds before serving.

Where to Find Autumn Delicacies & Event Information

Restaurants:

Many restaurants offer seasonal limited menus featuring Matsutake, chestnuts, and sweet potatoes. You can enjoy these dishes in various establishments, including Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine restaurants.

Department Stores & Supermarkets:

In the basement food halls (depachika) and supermarket deli sections, you can easily purchase products like Matsutake rice, chestnut rice, and Daigaku Imo. During peak season, fresh Matsutake, chestnuts, and sweet potatoes are also sold.

Events:

Autumn delicacy themed events are held across the country. Local specialties and processed goods using these ingredients can be found at “Matsutake Festivals,” “Chestnut Festivals,” or “Sweet Potato Fairs.”

Online Ordering (Otoriyose):

By using online mail order services, you can procure Matsutake, chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and processed goods made from them from all over Japan. There are various products available, including fresh ingredients delivered directly from the source and sweets from famous shops.

Conclusion: Enrich Your Table with Autumn Flavors!

In this article, we introduced you to “Matsutake,” “Chestnuts,” and “Sweet Potatoes”—the representative delicacies of Japanese autumn.

Each ingredient has its unique charm and can be enjoyed in various dishes. We hope you try different ways of cooking them during the season and fully enjoy the flavors of autumn.

We hope this article helps to enrich your dining table and provides an opportunity to rediscover Japan’s food culture.

Until next time!