11lb Chicken of the woods

So my 10 year old daughter noticed a large mushroom (bigger than a basketball) at the base of a tree this afternoon while our family was at the park. We are new to fungi "hunting" so considerable research was done before we were satisfied that it was in fact "Chicken of the woods"... 11 pounds worth of it. All chopped up (and sections harboring additional leaves, grasses, & insects removed) it amounted to approx 2 gallons worth of edible mushroom. We tested a small sautéed portion to verify that none of us were allergic.... Good thing, as my wife's throat immediately began to itch. Ironically, she hates mushrooms (only had buttons), but loved the taste of this one.

Do me the special favor and save spore, research the site or at least contact a local university and contact a researcher of interest. When things like this break the bell curve they are well worth study.

Impressive. Im new too. Quick question even though a mushroom is listed as edible doesnt mean someone cant be allergic, right? I wasnt aware of mushroom allegeries.

Amedean-Curious quote although its confusing because Isaiah goes onto to say 'nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more'

Wow! What an incredible find!

Have you seen any more of these near by?

Aaron Festa wrote:Quick question even though a mushroom is listed as edible doesnt mean someone cant be allergic, right? I wasnt aware of mushroom allegeries.

I always caution people to be careful when trying any new mushroom. Try a little bit, well-cooked, first time....wait and try a bit more. Never slam down a big plate of a new wild food of any kind right out of the starting gate....

Personally I have had unpleasant reactions to King Boletes (bummer) and chicken of the woods. I'm okay with oyster mushrooms, shitakis, chanterelles and so far, the Garden Giants we are growing.

I'm dismayed by people making a rich soup of a few pounds of wild shrooms and serving them to shroom-virgins. asking for trouble.

Below, my son with one of of our red stropharius shrooms.