Chicken of the woods, chicken mushroom, sulphur shelf
(Laetiporus sulphureus or Polyporus sulphureus)
Chicken of the woods mushrooms should not be confused with “hen of the woods” (Grifola frondosa) or “fried chicken mushrooms” (Lyophyllum decastes group). The chicken mushroom is a spectacular wild bracket fungus that grows on tree stumps, often on sweet chestnut, oak, and beech. It grows into fleshy, knobbly clusters with shell or feather-like curves. The largest ever found weighed 100 pounds. This suede two-toned mass is unmistakable with its orange top and a sulphur-yellow underneath. When the mushroom is young, its thick flesh is solid and smoothly uniform, breaking into fiberless golden chunks. However, only the edges of new growth are tender enough to eat, having a tasty hint of lemony chicken. The mature specimens have a strong, pungent aroma and a coarse woody texture, making them quite inedible and allergy-provoking, causing nausea and dizziness in some people.
