ID Guide Chicken of the Woods

Common names: chicken of the woods, sulphur shelf, chicken mushroom

Latin: Laetiporus sulphureus

Appearance: thick fleshy fungus that is a bright creamy yellow colour (with orange sections as well but only when young).

Where: grows mainly on the trunks of oak trees but can also grow on yew, chestnut and cherry trees.

How to forage: it is very easy to pick – slice off the mushrooms near the base.

When:  late spring to autumn

How to use: they can be added to stir fry or deep fried as an alternative to chicken due to their meaty texture. NOTE: They don’t agree with everyone’s stomach so try a little bit in a meal first before eating large quantities.