Page 265 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods

Western Hardwood Sulphur
Shelf, Laetiporus gilbertsonii

(FOMITOPSIDACEAE)

Jason Hollinger, CC-BY-SA-3.0

WESTERN HARDWOOD SULPHUR SHELF is a west SPORES: 5-7 x 4.0-5.0 µm, broadly elliptical, smooth;
coast fungus that grows on living and dead hard- Spore print: white
woods, causing a brown heart rot. It is another EDIBLE PARTS: fruiting body
chicken-of-the-woods mushroom. Distributed from
HOW TO EAT: Like its Laetiporus relatives, cooked
British Columbia to western Mexico, it favors oak,
L. gilbertsonii has the flavor and texture of chicken.
eucalyptus, and carob trees. Though this mushroom
However, this species can be bitter-tasting, especial-
sometimes appears alone, it more commonly occurs
ly when it grows on eucalyptus. Avoid specimens that
in overlapping, shelf-like clusters. Its fruiting season
grow on this tree. Harvest young mushrooms, or the
is from fall to winter.
tender edges of maturing ones, and always cook them
FRUITING BODY: The fruiting body can span up to 22 thoroughly.
inches (55cm) broad, with individual caps measuring
GRILLED SULPHUR SHELF SANDWICH: Ingredi-
2.4-5.5 inches (6-14cm) wide, 1.6-4 inches (4-10cm)
ents: mushrooms, oil, 1 tbsp. thyme, ¾ tsp. poultry
deep, and up to 1.2 inches (3cm) thick. The caps are
seasoning, salt, pepper, burger bun, cheddar, ¼ cup
fan-shaped to irregularly semi-circular and textured
shaved red onion, lettuce, chipotle mayo. Combine
like suede. They are light yellow, orange-tan, or dull
dry seasonings. Sauté mushrooms in oil on both sides
salmon, with sulphur-yellow margins. Stems are ab-
until they have released their water. Season and bake
sent or stumpy.
for 10 min. at 350°F (175°C). Top with cheese and
FLESH: The whitish or yellowish flesh of young mush- bake for 5 min. Slide mushrooms onto grilled burger
rooms is thick, tender, and moist. With age, it becomes bun. Top with onion, lettuce, and mayo.
tough and brittle.
WARNING: This mushroom can cause gastric upset
PORE SURFACE: The surface beneath the cap is yel- in some people, especially when it is harvested from
low and finely pored, with 2-3 round or angular tube eucalyptus. Always cook thoroughly before eating.
mouths per 0.04 inches (1mm).
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