A parasitic edible mushroom known as a chicken of the woods grows on the trunks of trees east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States. It’s scientific name is Laetiporus sulphureus, and despite the fact that other species in the genus look similar, true chicken of the woods is only found in the Eastern United States. It’s a strange-looking mushroom that’s quite popular for human consumption in some areas, despite having a fungus-like flavor that some people dislike.
On the trunks of yew, oak, chestnut, and willow trees, this mushroom can be found. The mycelium, which is the fungus’s main component, grows beneath the bark. The fungus’ fruiting body is known as chicken of the woods by observers. Because of its distinctive bright yellow to orange color when young, the fungus is also known as sulfur shelf. Instead of gills, the mushroom produces a fan-like or semicircular growth that is soft and spongy when young and hardens with age.
Young mushrooms should be chosen when picking chicken of the woods for consumption because they are more tender and flavorful. Young ones have a bright yellow color and can be cut off near the trunk. They should not be torn because this will damage the mycelium and may result in the parent fungus’ death. The mushroom has a distinct appearance and is thus difficult to misidentify; if in doubt, the picker should consult an experienced mushroom hunter.
When cooked, chicken of the woods has flaky white flesh and behaves similarly to chicken. The flavor is woodsy and mushroom-like, and it goes well with a variety of foods. As a mock-meat menu item, it’s especially good for vegetarians. Because eating the mushroom raw can cause intestinal discomfort in some people, it should be fully cooked.
Cooks should use the woods chicken within a few days of picking it. If necessary, store it in a paper bag in the refrigerator before using, and brush it gently to remove dirt and plant material before cooking. Although some mushroom hunters have discovered that chicken of the woods keeps well in the freezer for up to three months, it does not dry well.