Today's find, prettiest chicken of the woods I've ever seen!

judsoncarroll4

In the mountains, where I normally live, "chickens" or "Sulphur Shelf" Laetiporus

are usually more pale and thicker. Down here, in the sandhills, they are more rare, more deeply colored, more aromatic and and far more perishable. I've rarely spotted one before the bugs get it and it gets waterlogged. This one just came up overnight (or was so small yesterday that leaves were covering it). Today, it was a beacon in the woods, bright orange, not buggy or water logged and as soft as a baby's skin or a flower petal. About three pounds. By far, not the biggest I've ever found, but a rare treat in these parts! We only had a light rain yesterday evening - a big thunderstorm like we've been getting would have ruined it. Oddly enough, I seem to spot them just before a hurricane... and one should be here Monday night. I wonder if barometric pressure changes due to hurricanes may trigger fruiting?

Torey

That's a beautiful specimen! Do you have a special recipe for it?

judsoncarroll4

Later the same day...

judsoncarroll4

@torey Tonight I'll make mushroom and shrimp fajitas with peppers and onions. The rest of those in the pan (just sweated down with onions in some olive oil and a bit of salt), I'll add some garlic, chives, dried ramps, mushroom soy sauce and pork "bone broth" for a nice soup. Those on the plate, I'll brown up with some beef and onions (stew or pot roast... haven't decided). The amazing thing... maybe you can see it on the plate... is the texture... just like chicken breast! If I spot any more before the hurricane, I'll dry them.

smik123

Looks so delicious. I miss foraging--I am not good enough to do it on my own. I like to go with someone experienced.

judsoncarroll4

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/869443#Comment_869443

That is one anyone can spot - no poisonous look a likes: https://curativemushrooms.com/chicken-of-the-woods-identification-look-alike

Torey

MMMM! I'm drooling! All of those things sound wonderful, especially the mushrooms and shrimp fajitas.

burekcrew86

Looks incredible! I never ate them but I’m hoping to run into them and try them some day.

judsoncarroll4

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/869452#Comment_869452

Now is the time of year - through October. Look for them growing on live or fallen hardwood trees. One species grows on conifers, as well, but most folks say it doesn't taste good. I tried it once and thought it was fine, though. The type I found yesterday grows at the base of the tree, usually on hickories. The more common varieties usually grow a few feet up on the trunk. On fallen trees, they usually grown from the underside, near the ground, where it is damp. If you look under fallen trees, you'll probably find some chickens or oysters, etc.

MelissaLynne

Time to go explore the woods! I just wish there weren’t so many mosquitos.

judsoncarroll4

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/869510#Comment_869510

Have you tried beauty berry? https://thegrownetwork.com/natural-bug-repellent-beautyberry/

MelissaLynne

I haven’t. I had no idea that beautyberry repelled mosquitos! I can’t use chemical deterrents-they cause migraines and vomiting. Many of the essential oils suggested as bug repellent give me migraines as well. I’ve been using a blend of EO that are suppose to repel that I can tolerate, but I don’t know if it helps at all. The mosquitos love me. :/

I will have to raid my mom’s beautyberry bush next time I visit her...Lol

if it works I will have to get my own!

silvertipgrizz

That is beautiful...I was expecting a chicken lol...

sure looks good in the pan. Where's our serving?

norabelehcim

Gorgeous fungus! I have noticed extreme low pressure weather events often seem to precede or coincide with fruiting, as well.

judsoncarroll4

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/869907#Comment_869907

I think you are right. We suddenly have huge flushes of big, pretty boletes all over!

burekcrew86

My weekend find. First time foraging chicken of the woods. Delicious!

Momma Mo

Beautiful! Looks delicious.

judsoncarroll4

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/869919#Comment_869919

Well done!! Sautee in butter and salt and enjoy!

John

Incredible find-I have seen and harvested them on several occasions, but have never seen one like that-way to go! :)

naomi.kohlmeier

That is beautiful! Someday I would like to find one and eat it. I need to get out more. I generally forage in my small backyard garden :)

erikawinterton

Delicious! Exciting find! We see alot of mushrooms here, but nothing like chicken of the woods!

Typically that is when mushrooms fruit. When there is a shift in either the environment (when spore will more easily survive) or when the mycelium run out of food.

happy-trails

judsoncarroll4 VERY BEAUTIFUL SHROOMS! And your theory on barometric pressure is quite fascinating; you may be on to something with that! I have not tasted this variety. Do they taste very eggy/sulphur-y? I would not like that, but I'm always willing to suffer through terrible tastes for the health benefits. Ashwagandha is the worst for me to stomach. Do you have any advice on how/where to learn edible mushroom identification or maybe how to find local forging groups/classes that go out foraging together? I am new to upstate NY, and I believe we have plenty of wild mushrooms around here.

judsoncarroll4

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/872541#Comment_872541

They are not sulphury. The flavor is very mild and the scent is just of fresh mushrooms. If google doesn't turn up any mushroom clubs in your area, try contacting your local Agricultural Extension (kind of a long shot) and professors of botany/biology at any local colleges - if there is one, they should at least know about it. Park rangers would be another good source of info. So would any Permacullture groups in your area. I'd probably start with the Park rangers, since any clubs would be utilizing lands they manage. Beyond that, books are great - Mushrooms Demystified, the Audubon Guide, 100 Edible Mushrooms, etc... anything with good keys for identification. Mushroom Expert is a good website. I'm wary of the ID cell phone apps. But, if anyone knows of a really good one, I'd like to know.