ForestHarvest: non-timber forest products in Scotland

 PRODUCTS

Chicken-of-the-woods (Laetiporus sulphureus)

Description

Yellow, irregularly-shaped fungus (pale on the underside) found on tree stumps. Tiny pores rather than gills.

Habitat

Woodland. Found on various tree species including oak and yew.

Uses

A good edible mushroom, whose flesh is sometimes likened (in texture) to chicken. Some people experience digestive upsets from eating this species. Old specimens are rather tough. Try frying slices in breadcrumbs with lemon juice. It does not dry well but will freeze (uncooked).

Gathering

Gather from spring to autumn.

See the mushroom page for general advice on gathering wild fungi.

Image provided by William Milliken/RBGE

Links

Recipe: laetiporus couscous