Hen Of The Woods
Grifola frondosa
Do not eat any fungi that has not been properly identified by a qualified professional, some are DEADLY when ingested. All edible wild fungi MUST be cooked.
Maitake has several common names which includes Hen of the Woods, Ram's Head and Sheep's Head. Hen of the Woods is perhaps the most frequently used common name in Canada and the U.S. Many of these specimens will often weigh as much as 9 kilos (20lbs) and sometimes they can grow to about 23 kilos (50lbs). Due to its dull colour, from a distance it may be difficult to spot with autumn leaves on the ground. It is known as “Laubporling” in Germany, the “signorina” mushroom in Italy, and both as maitake and kumotake (cloud mushroom) in Japan.
- click for video -
Type
Distinguishing Features
The fruit body is composed of clusters of flattened caps that to some, are reminiscent of a sitting hen. The fruit body can be 10 to 100 cm (4 to 36”) across or more. From the bottom, the stem and branch structure has an appearance somewhat to the underside of a cauliflower. Each individual cap can be anywhere from 2 to 8 cm across (3/4 to 3”) with grayish to brownish tones often with a whitish zone in the middle of the cap. Caps are about 1/8-1/4 inch thick. Sometimes thinner. The pore surface is grayish in younger specimens becoming more white with age and developing some yellow or brown tones as it passes it's peak.
Height
Hen of the woods is not a fungi that is really measured in height. Although, many specimens can grow quite high (about 30cm or 1'). It does have a single central white stem with a complex branched structure like broccoli.
Habitat
This tasty fungi is abundant in parts of Eastern Canada and the U.S. where there are many large oak trees. Typically, it is found on dead or dying trees or stumps, usually around the base. They may grow all at once or sometimes come out over a period of two or three weeks. It grows in northern temperate forests. It is not unheard of to see it growing in the northwestern or southeastern states. Hen of the woods is found in China, northeastern Japan, and throughout Europe.
Spore Print
White spore print.
Season
Hen of the Woods is an autumn mushroom and can grow well into November depending on location and conditions.
Gills
No gills.
Edibility
This is considered a choice edible. In addition to being a great edible there is growing evidence that it is highly medicinal, boosting the immune system to fight cancer and stabilizing blood sugar as well as blood pressure. It is great sautéed, roasted, deep-fried, and dried. It has a really pleasant, crunchy, very chewable texture. A moderately thick batter is best for deep frying maitake. You can dehydrate these in slices and eat them like chips. They can be ground into a powder once dried; add to all your favourite meals and in smoothies.
Other Name
Maitake.
Recipes
To support our efforts please browse our store (books with medicinal info, etc.).
Winter Survival Food Handbook
Types of Wild Food
Now available! Beginner's Guide to Safely Foraging for Wild Mushrooms
