Umbilicaria esculenta

As Iwatake (Japaneseイワタケ; Umbilicaria esculenta ) is a Nabelflechte is called in Japan. The name derives from iwa: japan. growing on stone: take: japan. Fungus from.

The lichen grows on steep rock walls and is collected with difficulty. After extensive preparation it is then eaten as a soup, salad or crispy baked in fat, such as potato chips. The oldest written record in this case is the cookbook " Ryorimonogatari " of 1664th

Dishes with Iwatake were prepared on special occasions such as weddings or funerals. Today you can find this lichen rarely in home kitchen or in restaurants.