Chicken of the Woods

Chicken of the Woods are a mushroom that grows in clusters. They are large and grow from the trunks of trees. They are very easy to spot if you have your eyes open for them.

Chicken of the Woods are a medium to large in size and can grow up to nearly 1 foot in diameter. This mushroom got its name because when cooked, it is juicy and meaty with a mild lemon flavor reminiscent of chicken. This mushroom is a good meat substitute for those vegan and vegetarian folks. These mushrooms grow on the dead or dying trunks of hardwood trees such as oak, cherry, or beech. There are some that grow on eucalyptus or cedar, but avoid these at all costs because they can absorb oils from the trees that are known to cause intestinal irritation. This mushroom is known to primarily grow in hardwood forests along the West Coast and East Coast of the United States, as well as Europe.
This mushroom is a known meat substitute for chicken and is used in many vegetarian dishes. Chicken of the Woods is best prepared sautéed with herbs and butter or oil. Chicken of the Woods pairs well with garlic, onions, potatoes, wild rice, white wine, Monterey Jack cheese, and in risottos. In certain parts of the United States, Chicken of the Woods is considered a delicacy due to its poultry or seafood-like flavor. Traditionally, this mushroom has also been dried and made into a powder to use as a snuff.