Herb. No. 057 · Meripilaceae
Hen-of-the-woods at the base of old oaks in temperate forests.
Native · East Asia · North America · Europe
Native Also grown
OpenGentlefungus
Maitake
Grifola frondosa
Hen-of-the-woods — a clustered oak fungus eaten for flavor and immune tone.
Maitake fruits at the base of old oaks. As food it is meaty and excellent. Beta-glucans are the studied immune-modulating fraction. Foraging requires certainty — several polypores share the look from a distance.
Flavor
Rich, woodsy, a little pepper when seared — one of the best edible polypores.
Parts used
Fruiting body
In favor
- Superb eating
- Log and indoor culture possible
Against
- Lookalikes if you forage
- Immune modulation in transplants