Page 263 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods

Chicken of the Woods, Laetiporus

sulphureus (FOMITOPSIDACEAE)

CHICKEN OF THE WOODS is found east of the Rocky SPORES: 5.5–7 x 3.5–5 µm, elliptical, smooth; Spore
Mountains and fruits annually between summer print: white
and fall. Growing on the surfaces of dead or wound- EDIBLE PARTS: soft, yellow edges
ed hardwood trees (especially oak), it creates a red-
KEY MEDICINAL USES: Scientific research has shown
brown heart rot, often accompanied by white my-
this species has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, an-
celium. While sometimes solitary, this fungus more
ti-tumor, and immunomodulation activities.
commonly grows in overlapping shelf-like clusters.
HOW TO EAT: This mushroom’s taste and texture,
Its bright orange-yellow appearance is unmistakable.
when cooked, is uncannily like chicken. Very young
CAP: The shelf-like caps are 2-10 inches (5-25cm)
mushrooms have a subtler flavor and a texture com-
broad and up to 1.5 inches (4cm) thick. Fan-shaped
parable to tofu. Old specimens, which are sour and un-
to irregularly semi-circular, the smooth or slightly
palatable, should be avoided. Harvest the mushroom’s
wrinkled surfaces have a texture like suede. Bright
tender edges, clean well, and cook thoroughly.
sulfur-yellow or orange when young, their color dulls
CRISPY FRIED CHICKEN OF THE WOODS: Ingre-
with age and the bright yellow margins whiten in
dients: 3 lbs. (1.4kg) mushrooms, oil, 2 cups flour, 2
time.
tbsp. salt, 2 tbsp. paprika, 2 tsp. garlic powder, ½ tsp.
FLESH: Young mushrooms have thick, tender, and pepper, 2 cups buttermilk. Cut mushrooms into cut-
remarkably moist flesh. White to soft yellow in color, let-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix salt and spices. Dip cut-
the flesh has a poignant fungal aroma. With age, it be- lets into buttermilk and sprinkle on both sides with
comes tough and brittle. spice mix. Coat with flour. Fry until golden brown.
OTHER FEATURES: The mushroom’s underside has WARNING: While edible to most people, some indi-
3-4 pores per 0.04 inches (1mm). They are sulfur viduals experience mild poisoning when they con-
yellow, measuring 0.12-0.16 inches (3-4mm) deep. sume this mushroom. Try in small quantities the first
There is no stem. time. Do not eat raw.

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