A recent scientific study explains why these two pleasant
tasting compounds are found in the matsutake. In the Sep
tember issue of Biochemical Systematics and Ecology
[volume 35, 6346 (2007)], William Wood and Charles Le
fevre report the production and function of these sub
stances in the American matsutake. The spicy ester, methyl
cinnamate, is a potent slug repellent. The matsutake uses
this compound defensively to protect the sporocarp from
being eaten by slugs before it can release its spores