Latin name: Flammulina velutipes

General
The Enoki is the cultivated version of the Velvet Shank mushroom (Flammulina velutipes). It is grown in the dark, with additional CO2. This keeps it pure white.

Description

Characteristic of the Enoki are its long, thin stems. The wild version (the Velvet Shank) bears a closer resemblance to a normal mushroom than to an Enoki. The Enoki is cultivated and sold in small clusters.

Storage and shelf life

The Enoki usually only keeps for a short time in the refrigerator – a few days at most, even in a non-shrink-wrapped pack. Leave the Enoki mushrooms in their packaging until you need them to prevent them from drying out.

There will often be a little of the growing medium attached to the base of the cluster. This should be cut off before use along with the sometimes slightly tough bottom part of the stem. Enoki keep for longer when left attached to the growing medium.

Flavour and use

The Enoki is crunchy and tastes slightly fruity and can be used in salads and on sandwiches but they can also be added to dishes like soups.