Located this patch of fungi out in the woods locally. Was wondering if anyone knew what it was. I was thinking 'Chicken of the Woods'... but it just doesn't quite look right.
Wow!!! Beautiful! "Patch", indeed: the thing is mammoth! Wonderful. I dunno what it is, either, but never fear, Sypha---we have an array of fungus-philes here at the Forum who will greet yours as an old friend. Welcome to the Forum, and thanks for sharing your fungus!
Yes, Chicken of the woods. COuld be one of three species depending what it's growing. The vast majority are Laetiporous sulphureus has a yellow pore surface and grows on hardwoods, usually oak. Laetiporous cincinnatus has a white pore surface and grows almost exclusively on Oak. Laetiporous conifericola grows on conifers and is relatively rare. All are edible and delicious.'
I can attest that to me? This tastes NOTHING like chicken..however? If you add a touch of chicken bullion to it, it DOES intensify a chicken-like flavor when cooked. -I think it was actually called 'chicken' because it was common and when shredded has a chicken-meat like texture...stringy almost. I've added tons of this to pasta meals and it comes out spectacular. I sautee it lightly in butter with a touch of garlic then add to my creamy cheese sauce on top of either angel hair or linguine pasta. YUM A gorgeous display of this magnificent species! Definately the 'sulfur shelf' variety. Keep an eye on this area next year as it is often re-occuring in the same host.
