Page 262 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods
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Chaga, Inonotus obliquus
(HYMENOCHAETACEAE)
CHAGA, also called Cinder conk and Clinker poly- anti-inflammatory effects.
pore, is a parasitic fungus that primarily grows on
HOW TO EAT: Chaga is most nutrient-rich when its
the bark of standing birch trees. Widely distribut-
host is dormant: in autumn or early winter after 20
ed across circumboreal North America, it begins its
consecutive nights of cold (20°F/-6°C or below). Once
growth in summer or fall and persists year-round. the tree starts producing sap in the new year, the cha-
When the host tree dies, the chaga will start to de- ga will become depleted. Only harvest this fungus
compose it, causing a white heart rot.
from living birch trees. Leave at least 25% of the conk
FRUITING BODY: The warty, fissured black conk behind, and be very careful not to cut into the birch’s
may grow to 12 inches (30cm) broad and high. It wood - this will ensure that both the chaga and the
blisters through its host’s bark, forming an extrusive tree continue to live. Once you’ve made your harvest,
irregularly-shaped bulge that looks like a fused mass break the chaga into 1 cm pieces and sun-dry them
of charcoal. Its dry, rigid surface is broken up into over a few days. Then, grind them into a powder or
cracked plates. The conk’s woody flesh, which is vis- keep in small chunks for tea.
ible through the cracks, is a vivid shade of golden-or-
SPICED CHAGA TEA: Ingredients: 4 quarts water, ¾
ange. The fruiting body stains brown in KOH.
cup chaga pieces, 2 cinnamon sticks, 10 clove buds.
SPORES: The fruiting body does not produce spores. Combine ingredients in a pot and simmer for 1 h.
However, spores accumulate beneath the host tree’s Strain before pouring into mugs. Enjoy on a cold day.
bark after it has died. They are 8-10 x 5-7.5 µm, ellip-
WARNING: This species has antiplatelet properties
soid. Setae are fusiform.
and should not be consumed if taking blood-thinners.
EDIBLE PARTS: fruiting body People with diabetes or autoimmune diseases should
KEY MEDICINAL USES: In vitro and animal studies consult a doctor before using chaga.
have shown that chaga has anti-cancer, anti-diabetic,
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