John Miller
Chicken of the Woods mushrooms are a tasty treat with numerous health benefits. They are considered medicinal mushrooms due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These mushrooms are low in calories and fat but rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Chicken of the Woods mushrooms get their name from their distinct chicken-like taste and fleshy texture. They are versatile in the kitchen and can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as sautéing, baking, or frying. With a vibrant yellow-orange colour and impressive size, these mushrooms are a delightful addition to any meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 33 calories per 100g, or 50 calories per 150g |
| Protein | 14g per 100g, or 21g per 150g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g of carbs per 100g, or 9g per 150g |
| Fibre | 3g of fibre per 100g, or 5g per 150g |
| Fat | 1g of fat per 100g |
| Vitamins | 10% of daily Vitamin C, 5% of daily Vitamin A |
| Minerals | 150mg of potassium |
| Antioxidants | Yes, including flavonoids and phenols |
| Polysaccharides | Yes |
| Taste | Similar to chicken, crab, or lobster |
| Texture | Fleshy |
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What You'll Learn
Nutritional content and health benefits
Chicken of the Woods mushrooms are considered medicinal due to their nutritional content and health benefits. They are a good source of potassium and vitamin C. In a serving of 100g, they contain 33 calories, 6g of carbs, 3g of fibre, 14g of protein, 1g of fat, 150 mg of potassium, 10% of the daily recommended vitamin C intake, and 5% of the daily recommended vitamin A intake.
Chicken of the Woods mushrooms are low in calories and fat but contain health-promoting compounds like antioxidants and helpful polysaccharides. These mushrooms contain at least two kinds of antioxidants, phenols, and flavonoids, which help prevent damage from free radicals that can build up in the body over time. The polysaccharides or long sugar chains found in these mushrooms may help the body fight tumours by encouraging the immune system to act against them and directly suppressing them by causing tumour cell death.
Chicken of the Woods mushrooms also have anti-inflammatory properties. A study in mice found that eburicoric acid, found in these mushrooms, helped reduce inflammation by limiting the spread of stomach ulcers and protecting the stomach lining.
In terms of preparation, these mushrooms are versatile in the kitchen and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including sautéing, blanching, baking, or frying. They have a pleasant flavour similar to chicken, crab, or lobster and a fleshy texture that holds up well when cooked. They are typically harvested when young and tender, and the outer edges are considered the best, although the whole mushroom is edible.
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Where to find them
Chicken of the Woods mushrooms are mainly found in Europe and North America, although similar species can be found in East Asia. They are typically found on hardwood trees, such as oaks, cherry trees, and conifers.
These mushrooms grow in large clusters on trees and are known for their bright orange or yellow colour. They have fan-shaped caps with wavy, ruffled edges and a firm, white flesh. They never grow on the ground. When foraging, only pick Chicken of the Woods mushrooms that are found on dead trees or logs. They are typically found in open fields with cut stumps, or in oak savannah and restored prairie areas.
Chicken of the Woods mushrooms can be found in the wild during the spring and fall, with sporadic finds in summer. In Southern Ohio, for example, September and October are the best months to find them.
If you are unable to find them in the wild or at your local farmers' market, you can purchase them from specialty food stores, health food stores, or gourmet food markets. Alternatively, you can buy them online from trusted marketplaces like Foraged, which connect independent food purveyors with their local communities.
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How to cook them
Chicken of the Woods mushrooms are considered a tasty treat and are safe to eat when cooked. They are low in calories and fat and contain health-promoting compounds such as antioxidants and polysaccharides. They are versatile in the kitchen and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including sautéing, blanching, baking, and frying. Here are some detailed instructions on how to cook them:
Sautéing
Sautéing is a simple and popular way to prepare Chicken of the Woods mushrooms. Here are the steps to follow:
- Separate the shelves of the mushrooms to access all the nooks and crannies.
- Use a mushroom brush to remove any large dirt particles.
- Wipe the mushroom clean with a damp cloth or paper towel. If it is particularly dirty, dunk it in a sink or bowl of water first.
- Cut the mushrooms into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
- Heat a non-stick pan on medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil or butter.
- Add the mushrooms and sauté for at least 10 minutes to ensure they are thoroughly cooked and to avoid any potential allergic reactions.
- Season with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices of your choice.
- Serve as a side dish or add to a larger dish, such as fajitas or stir-fry.
Baking or Frying
Chicken of the Woods mushrooms can also be baked or deep-fried. Cut them into bite-sized pieces or strips, and season with salt, wine, and herbs. Then, either bake them in the oven or deep-fry them and serve with a dipping sauce.
Other Cooking Methods
In addition to sautéing, baking, and frying, Chicken of the Woods mushrooms can be blanched or grilled. They can also be added to soups or stews. When grilling, it is recommended to marinate the mushrooms first. Additionally, they can be preserved through pickling or drying.
Important Considerations
It is important to note that Chicken of the Woods mushrooms should never be eaten raw as they can cause stomach issues and gastrointestinal distress. Always cook them thoroughly before consuming. When foraging for these mushrooms, avoid those growing on conifer or eucalyptus trees, as they may absorb toxins from these trees.
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How to preserve them
Chicken of the Woods mushrooms are considered a medicinal mushroom due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. They are also a good source of potassium and vitamin C. A 100g serving of Chicken of the Woods mushrooms contains 33 calories, 6g of carbs, 3g of fibre, 14g of protein, and 1g of fat.
Chicken of the Woods mushrooms can be stored and preserved in various ways, including:
Freezing
Chicken of the Woods mushrooms can be frozen and will retain their texture and flavour. It is important to ensure that the mushrooms are clean, dry, and free of any dirt, bark, or leaf pieces before freezing. Vacuum sealing or using zip-style freezer bags can help to prevent the mushrooms from getting soft and mushy. They will last for up to a year in the freezer.
Drying
Drying is another effective method to preserve Chicken of the Woods mushrooms. After cleaning and trimming the mushrooms, slice them into half-inch pieces and dry them using a food dehydrator. Once dry, store the mushrooms in airtight containers such as jars or ziplock bags. They will last for a year or more when stored in a cool and dry location. The dried mushrooms can also be ground into a powder for seasoning.
Pickling
Pickling is a popular method to preserve Chicken of the Woods mushrooms, although specific instructions may vary depending on the recipe.
Cooking and Freezing
Cooking the mushrooms before freezing is another option, although some sources suggest that Chicken of the Woods mushrooms can be frozen without prior cooking and still retain their texture and flavour. Sautéing or blanching the mushrooms before freezing can help to extend their shelf life.
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Similarities in taste to chicken
Chicken of the Woods is a low-calorie mushroom, with 100g of the mushroom containing 33 calories. It is also a good source of potassium and vitamin C.
Chicken of the Woods is a large, bracket fungus that grows on the sides of trees, forming shelf-like structures. It is easily recognisable by its bright orange and yellow colours. It is also known as the chicken mushroom or chicken fungus.
The mushroom gets its name from its taste, which is similar to chicken. People who have tried cooking with it describe it as "succulent", with a mild flavour. Its sinewy texture is comparable to soft, juicy, tender chicken meat. It can be used as a chicken substitute in recipes, especially for vegetarians. However, it needs to be thoroughly cooked before eating.
Some people, however, disagree with the notion that the mushroom tastes like chicken. A few have described its taste as sour, while others have said that it has a nice texture and absorbs flavour well.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken of the woods mushrooms are low in calories. 100g of these mushrooms contains 33 calories.
A typical serving size is 150 grams, which contains 50 calories.
A serving of chicken of the woods mushrooms contains 21 grams of protein.
Chicken of the woods mushrooms can be cooked in a variety of ways, including sautéing, blanching, baking, or frying. They have a meaty texture and taste similar to chicken, crab, or lobster.
