Page 275 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods

JELLY FUNGI

Toothed Jelly Fungus, Pseudohydnum

gelatinosum (EXIDIACEAE)

TOOTHED JELLY FUNGUS or Cat’s Tongue grows on SPORES: 5-8 µ, round or almost round, smooth; Spore
well-decayed conifer wood, including rotting logs, print: white
moss-covered branches, and woody debris. In eastern EDIBLE PARTS: cap, stem
North America, it has been known to grow shelf-like
KEY MEDICINAL USES: This fungus has shown evi-
on standing trees. Widespread in temperate regions,
dence of anti-tumor activity in mice.
this white or whitish-grey fungus fruits singly to gre-
HOW TO EAT: Toothed jelly fungus is completely fla-
gariously from summer to fall, and during mild south-
vorless, but some enjoy its gummy-like texture. It can
ern winters.
be used in soup and stews, or marinated and served
CAP: The cap is 0.4-2.8 inches (1-7cm) wide and
as an appetizer.
tongue-shaped, with a broadly convex or flattened
THAI PICKLED PSEUDOHYDNUM: Ingredients: 4
surface. Its translucent, whitish flesh is jelly-like,
chilies (toasted, sliced), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 2
though not sticky, with a smooth to finely roughened
cilantro roots (sliced), 2 shallots (sliced), 1 tsp. co-
exterior. Sometimes, the cap is lightly tinted grey-
riander seeds, 2 tbsp. oil, 16 oz. (450g) toothed jelly
ish-blue or brownish. Its margin is incurved when
fungus, 1-inch piece galangal (sliced), ¼ cup white
the fungus is young.
vinegar, ¼ cup water, ⅓ cup fish sauce, 1 tbsp. sugar, 8
UNDERSIDE: The cap’s underside is covered in tiny
kaffir lime leaves (sliced), 1 lemongrass stalk (sliced),
translucent teeth growing to 0.12 inches (3mm) long.
1 tsp. white pepper. With a pestle, crush chilies, gar-
This toothed surface runs down the stem.
lic, cilantro roots, shallots, and coriander seeds into
STEM: The gelatinous stem is continuous with the a paste. In a skillet, cook paste in oil (2-4 min.). Add
cap, and colored similarly or paler. In western North mushrooms (cook 5-7 min.). Introduce galangal, vin-
America, it can grow vertically to 2.5 inches (6cm), egar, water, fish sauce, sugar (cook 1 min.). Add kaffir
while east of the Rocky Mountains it tends to be short leaves, lemongrass, white pepper (2-3 min.). Let cool.
and lateral. Chill in refrigerator for 1-14 days.

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