Nameko
Pholiota microspora · Fungus
Top 10 pairings
Nameko (Pholiota microspora, formerly Pholiota nameko) is a small, amber- to tawny-orange Japanese mushroom prized for the glossy, gelatinous glaze that coats its caps — a natural polysaccharide slime that turns silky and faintly slippery when cooked. Mild, earthy and subtly nutty, it is one of Japan's most popular cultivated mushrooms, a staple of miso soup, nabe hot pots and soba toppings where its slick texture is the whole point.
Picking a good onedrag
Domed, glaze clearCollapsed, glaze grey
Pack freshEveryday bestThe all-rounder: miso shiru, nabe, soba topping, a quick sauté.
Cap and glazeGlossy still, a few caps opened flat
Veil and undersideVeil torn, gills pale buff and dry
Flesh and cut baseFirm, base darkening a little
SmellMild, earthy, mushroomy
Keeping ittap a temperature
A domestic fridge holds it about 5× longer than the counter.
95%, no free water
Humidity
Vented pack, not sealed
Airflow