Last night my neighbor sent me this picture.
She said that this massive mushroom was right up the road from my house. I was so excited because I was pretty sure I knew what it was. I posted a picture on my Mushroom Identification Facebook group page and soon got the reply. Positively maitake, also known as hen of the woods.
The dogs and I headed up the road this morning with mushroom gathering basket in hand. I had to call her to come and meet me because I couldn't find it at first. When she pointed it out, I was amazed at the size of it. That little basket that I brought wouldn't even begin to hold that monster of a mushroom.
I lugged it the whole quarter of a mile back home. If I had known it was so big I would have driven up. I weighed it when I got home and it was 18 pounds!
This wasn't the whole thing. I had a grocery bag full also. I had to clean and prepare it for storage so none would go to waste. In all of the little folds and crevices there can be beetles or spiders, ants or centipedes. I am dehydrating a large portion and freezing the rest.
Of course I had to cook a few for lunch and try them out. I sautéed them in olive oil with onions and garlic and then added some butter, salt, pepper, and thyme. They were delicious!
Not only are they nutritious and delicious, they are medicinal also with lots of amazing benefits. Here is a great article.
https://wildfoodism.com/2014/09/29/5-unique-health-benefits-of-the-maitake-mushroom/
As always, I will warn you to never eat any mushroom that you are not 100% sure of what it is. Ask someone who is experienced in identifying mushrooms.
Thanks again for stopping by!
