Chicken of the Woods Mushroom

This may be one of the most easily identifiable mushrooms in New England. 

Introducing the Chicken of The Woods. 

This fine mushroom is found from August through October and are grown on Hardwood Trees.
 The following details will help you positively identify this mushroom.

Identification of The Chicken of the Woods. 

• This mushroom does not have gills.
• Flesh underneath is solid and white. 
• Very short stem. 
• The color on the top will be orange with fine stripes through it. 
• Tends to grow in clumps.
• The mushroom can be as small as 2 inches up to 20 inches. 
• Grows on hard wood trees. 

How to harvest this Mushroom. 

• Only cut the smaller specimens of this mushroom. The larger ones will be to tough. 
• Cut with a knife, leaving a small part of the stem. 

By leaving a small part of this mushroom you are in fact wildcrafting;letting the mushroom have a chance to grow again. 

Preparation. 

The Chicken of The Woods can be fried, sauteed, deep fried, grilled and put into soups. 

Always be 100% sure of the mushroom you are picking and always cook your mushrooms. 

Some have mistaken a Chicken of The Woods mushroom for a JackO Lantern Mushroom. Please review the picture of the Jack O Lantern and remember the Chicken of the Woods do not have gills.