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Writer's pictureRobin Hood
May 24, 20203 min read

WILD food: Chicken of the woods

Updated: May 27, 2020


 

 

"Nature alone is antique, and the oldest art a mushroom" - Thomas Carlyle


"Advice is like mushrooms. The wrong kind can prove fatal" - Charles E. McKenzie


"Falling in love is like eating mushrooms, you never know if it's the real thing until it's too late" - Bill Ballance


A Forage for wild mushrooms is always time well spent. The fruiting bodies of many species of fungi flourish in the UK. Different varieties are available throughout the year, After the last hard frost in March/April, some special Fungi start to appear.



Most people are cautious when it comes to wild mushrooms, for good reason aswell - there are many incidents of mushroom poisoning each year.

NEVER eat wild food without confirmation from a trusted source that it is safe to eat. Some mushrooms can be deadly.

If you know what you’re looking for, you can reap the rewards of nature. Fungi are an important part of the woodland ecosystem so only ever pick for yourself.

 

I started my education of wild food at a young age. my grandmother would always point out edible foods in her garden or when out walking. this provided me with a base knowledge to further explore on my own.


I have always used Richard Mabey's timeless guide, FOOD FOR FREE - The classic foraging guide to over 200 types of food that can be gathered and picked in the wild, it is in its 40th year as a sumptuous, beautifully illustrated and fully updated anniversary edition.

Originally published in 1972



When so many are struggling for connection, inspiration and hope, Fantastic Fungi brings us together as interconnected creators of our world.


Fantastic Fungi, is directed by Louie Schwartzberg, famous for NETFLIX -Moving art and DISNEY-'Wings of Life'



FANTASTIC FUNGI is a consciousness-shifting film that takes us on an immersive journey through time and scale into the magical earth beneath our feet, an underground network that can heal and save our planet.

Through the eyes of renowned scientists and mycologists like Paul Stamets, and others, we become aware of the beauty, intelligence and solutions the fungi kingdom offers us in response to some of our most pressing medical, therapeutic, and environmental challenges.

 

CHICKEN OF THE WOODS

Chicken Of The Woods. (Laetiporus sulphureus) are most likely to be found from June to October but are sometimes found as early as May. This is a great mushroom to start practising identification as it is that is very noticeable from long distance as it is usually quite large and very brightly coloured in otherwise shaded woodlands.


It grows in bracket clumps on the trunk and stumps of Oak, Cherry, Sweet Chestnut, Willow and Yew. Great care should be taken if collecting from the poisonous Yew,


Although the Chicken of the Woods is a safe and easily recognised edible mushroom, it should not be eaten raw; there are reports of people being adversely affected when the mushroom was not cooked.

 

RECIPE: Chicken of the woods burgers

Ingredients

1kg wild mushrooms

300g onions

250g cooked rice

100g sage & onion stuffing

20g garlic

30g chives

30g parsley

salt

pepper

 

METHOD

  1. In frying pan, colour the onions, garlic, and mushrooms

  2. Set aside and chill

  3. Make the stuffing as per instruction

  4. Blend the rice, pan fried mushrooms and stuffing,

  5. Add the fresh herbs and seasonings

  6. Form into burger pattys

  7. Dust in flour and gently pan fry on both sides

  8. Top with cheese and serve

 
Bodri - Orsi rose wine

A PERFECT PAIRING


We can highly recommend this rounded blend rose wine for those who enjoy refreshing, fruity flavours. Its Mediterranean aroma makes it a good choice to pair with the rich woodland flavours and textures of these fantastic fungi   NOW AVAILABLE IN THE UK


£7.99 per bottle Best served at 8-10 °C 750ml 12% ABV





 


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