Chicken of the Woods

Howdee all,

Look at this beautiful clump of orange delight!

We went hiking yesterday and happened upon this in the woods..a product of all the rain we have had.

I was hoping to find this on our walk..I knew where it had grown previous years.. and I was so pleased to find it..

Chicken of the woods.Check out the photo below…Sicksta Charlene put her foot beside the specimen to give you an idea on the size of it. I didn't collect the whole mushroom..but left some to grow, I will check back in a few days.

Information from Mushroom Collecting.com

Chicken of the woods are most likely to be found from August through October or later but are sometimes found as early as June. This is a mushroom that is likely to startle you. It is very noticeable from long distance because of it's size and very bright colors. It grows on many types of dead or mature trees with hardwoods such as oak, or beech being more likely than conifers. They grow very fast. Usually when you find it there will be a lot. "Geez, what am I going to do with all this?" Younger specimens can have a large amount of clear watery juice pour out of the fruit body and the wood immediately after cutting. It can run almost like a faucet. Really. That's a good sign it will be a choice edible.

You want to pick Chicken of the woods mushroom when they are new and tender..(not woody feeling)..you want soft and moist.

Comments A few people have sensitivity to this one so if it is your first time just try a small amount. Chickens found growing on conifers should be treated with more caution and are best avoided. Not everyone likes the texture. Nothing else looks like it.

Chickens can be used for dyeing wool, some fabrics, or paper and will yield an orange color with wool when ammonia is used as a mordant.

I didn't cut the mushroom to sauté it..I just tore it apart in strips.

Saute with Garlic and butter or olive oilAnd you have a great treat. If I have many..I freeze a few bags to use later.

Otherwise I eat them as is or add them to just about any dish.

They were Delicious!As always..know what you are picking.

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