5:42 Chicken of the Woods (Polyporus sulphureus). Credit: MaxPexel.
Individuals often use the expression “tastes like chicken” to explain the taste of an uncommon food. Its in such common usage that the expression has ended up being somewhat of a cliché. Some weird foods really do taste like chicken. Such is the case of Laetiporus sulphureus — frequently referred to as the Chicken of the Woods.
What is the Chicken of the Woods?
Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
The Chicken of the Woods is a bracket fungi, which suggests it grows on the sides of trees and kinds shelf-like structures. Unlike lots of other edible mushrooms, it is easily recognizable, with its intense orange and yellow colors. Mushroom hunters were at first drawn to this fungi due to its distinct appearance, but it was soon found that it had an unusual flavor that could be utilized as a meat substitute.
Laetiporus sulphureus was first referred to as Boletus sulphureus by French mycologist Pierre Bulliard in 1789. Its been understood by lots of classifications throughout the years and was finally provided its existing taxonomic name in 1920 by American mycologist William Murrill. Laetiporus indicates “with intense pores” and sulphureus describes the pale yellow color of sulfur.
Called the chicken mushroom, or the chicken fungus, Laetiporus is a quickly identifiable, brightly colored fungi that is frequently discovered in clusters. The fungus grows in big brackets on trees, mostly oak, that are either living or rotting, triggering a reddish-brown heart-rot of wood. You can be sure that the fungus has actually currently assaulted the tree if the mushrooms are seen fruiting.
The chicken of the woods can likewise be discovered growing frequently on eucalyptus, yew, cherry wood, sweet chestnut, and willow.
The top surface area of the chicken of the woods is intense orange and tends to lighten in color near the edges. With age, the color of the mushroom dulls from intense yellows to then pure and orange white.
Theyre quite substantial, growing 2 to 20 inches throughout. Some of the mushroom brackets can weigh up to 100 pounds (45 kg).
Laetiporus sulphureus. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
What does the Chicken of the Woods taste like?
Individuals whove attempted cooking the chicken of the woods explain it as “succulent”, with a mild flavor. In the beginning bite, you may find the taste oddly familiar, maybe advising you of lobster, crab, or chicken. The mushroom is likewise high in protein (about 14 grams per 100 grams, which resembles quinoa) and you can feel it. Even its sinewy texture is oh-so-similar to soft, juicy, tender chicken meat. It can make a fine chicken substitute as long as you make sure to totally cook the mushroom, making it a fantastic component for any vegetarian diet plan.
However although its considered a delicacy, in some parts of the world, like Germany and some areas of the USA, Laetiporus is seen as a pest, considering that it causes brown rot– a type of tree decay. Historically, this fungi was known to damage the wooden ships of the British Naval Fleet.
Is the Chicken of the Woods safe?
The cooking usages for the Chicken of the Woods are endless, and it can be utilized in a variety of meals. It is especially popular in Mediterranean and italian food, where it is frequently utilized in pasta meals, pizzas, and soups. It can also be utilized as a filling in enchiladas, burritos, and tacos. Some chefs have even started utilizing it as an alternative for chicken in standard chicken meals, such as chicken alfredo and chicken parmesan.
You can contact your local mycological society to discover out if there are mushroom foragers in your location. Alternatively, you may be able to buy some Chicken of the Woods from a local farmers market or specialty shop.
Any stomach discomfort after eating Chicken of the Woods might be due to an allergic response, or it might be a result of consuming an infected or undercooked mushroom.
Some chefs have actually even begun utilizing it as a replacement for chicken in conventional chicken meals, such as chicken alfredo and chicken parmesan.
Chicken of the Woods Pizza: Roll out pizza dough to preferred density and top with tomato sauce, grated mozzarella cheese, and sliced chicken of the woods. Bake in a preheated oven at 425 ° F for 10-12 minutes or up until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh basil or any other desired toppings.
Chicken of the Woods Stir-Fry: Clean and slice the chicken of the woods into bite-sized pieces. Chicken of the Woods Risotto: Clean and chop the chicken of the woods into little pieces. Chicken of the Woods Pizza: Roll out pizza dough to preferred density and top with tomato sauce, grated mozzarella cheese, and sliced chicken of the woods.
KEEP IN MIND: DO NOT eat any mushroom unless you are absolutely specific of its identity.
It is usually a great guideline of thumb to be constantly cautious what you eat from foraging in the woods– especially because there is more than simply one types of Laetiporus in North America. Laetiporus huroniensis, which is practically similar to Laetiporus sulphureus, has actually been associated with some cases of food poisoning, and may also often interbreed with the latter, making it even more challenging to distinguish the two types..
Here are 3 basic and scrumptious recipes utilizing chicken of the woods:.
Some quick dishes for cooking Chicken of the Woods.
Chicken of the Woods Stir-Fry: Clean and slice the chicken of the woods into bite-sized pieces. Heat oil in a wok or large pan, and add garlic, ginger, and sliced onions. Stir-fry for a minute, then add the chicken of the woods and continue stirring till the mushroom is gently browned. Serve over rice or noodles with soy sauce, oyster sauce, or another desired sauce.
The Chicken of the Woods is edible and quite delicious. Any stomach discomfort after eating Chicken of the Woods could be due to an allergic reaction, or it may be a result of taking in a contaminated or undercooked mushroom.
L. huroniensis only grows in northeastern North America and appears to enjoy conifers. In western North America, Laetiporus sulphureus does not naturally take place at all, nevertheless, two lookalikes do– Laetiporus gilbertsonii ( on eucalyptus) and Laetiporus conifericola ( on conifers). Both are understood to be implicated in poisonings.
Chicken of the Woods Risotto: Clean and slice the chicken of the woods into little pieces. When the rice is al dente, stir in the chicken of the woods, grated Parmesan cheese, and butter.
Chicken of the woods is really great for those who are seeking to keep a healthy diet plan, as it is low in fat and high in protein. It likewise consists of fiber and various minerals and vitamins. The fungus is likewise an excellent source of fiber and includes a variety of minerals and vitamins, including vitamin Calcium, d, and potassium.