Hen of the woods aka Maitake

[Sharon & Monty]

I've always wanted to hunt/find edible mushrooms.  Never had the time nor anyone to help me to determine accuracy.  Now that I live in the woods and am an empty nester, I also found a long lost friend that is a biologist and a hard core naturalist.  So we got to talking and sharing pictures, I was inspired to go out and look.  OH MY GOSH.  I have found 2 edible mushrooms right outside my door!!  The Hen of the Woods (Maitake) was yesterdays find and I'm besides myself.  This is a very highly sought out mushroom and has many studies and accolades for health benefits!!!  It is very heavy, the picture doesnt show the thick stems it has, and I'm guessing it must weigh at least 6-10 pounds! No kidding.  The other mushroom I found is called Chicken of the Woods and it tastes just like chicken.  The Maitake however is my real excitement.  

I have to say that I have also found some look alikes, that my friend was able to tell me DONT EAT.  So I dont take this stuff lightly and a good find really makes me happy!  

I put the glass of merlot next to the Hen of the Woods to get a good visual of its size.  And, you know what?  I think a glass of merlot will be absolutely a good pair!  LOL

[F, Calla & Luca]

This is why I stick to the supermarket mushrooms. Those are both pretty kinds of mushrooms though. I've had all shades and shapes this year including red.

[Linda and "Toby"]

WOW! Those are gorgeous - and very impressive!