Name: Chicken of the Woods
Location: Oak Trees
Identifiers: Semi circular brackets, velvety upper surface, zoned bands of bright orange/yellow.
Months: Usually spring to autumn
Edible Parts: All flesh
Non-Edible Parts: The hardest part where it was attached to the wood
As with all mushrooms you gather do not pick unless you are absolutely sure. The chicken of the woods also does not agree with everyone and can cause tummy upset if not properly cooked through. Always try a little first to see if your digestive system likes it or not. The great thing about Chicken of the Woods is that it is quite meaty – like chicken – in texture. Chicken of the Woods is not hairy, so if you see a yellow lookalike that is hairy leave it alone.