Buy Chicken of the Woods: Sourcing This Funky Fungi

Have you ever heard of Chicken of the Woods? This vibrant orange and yellow mushroom is not only beautiful, but it also has a delicious, meaty flavor that makes it a favorite among vegans and meat-eaters alike. But where can you find it? In this guide, we'll show you how to source Chicken of the Woods so that you can enjoy it in your next meal.

Before we dive into sourcing Chicken of the Woods, let's take a quick look at what it is. Chicken of the Woods, also known as Laetiporus sulphureus, is a wild mushroom that grows on trees, particularly oak and chestnut trees. Its bright orange and yellow color make it easy to spot, and its meaty texture and flavor make it a popular choice for vegetarian and vegan dishes.

So, how can you get your hands on this delicious fungus? Here are some tips on sourcing Chicken of the Woods:

One of the best ways to source Chicken of the Woods is to forage for it yourself. It's important to note that foraging should be done with caution and only by those who have experience identifying wild mushrooms. If you're new to foraging, it's best to go with someone who has experience or to take a class on wild mushroom identification.

When foraging for Chicken of the Woods, look for it on oak and chestnut trees, particularly in late summer or early fall. The mushroom can grow quite large, so keep an eye out for it on the trunks and branches of trees.

If foraging isn't your thing, you can also find Chicken of the Woods at farmers markets. Look for a local farmers market in your area that specializes in mushrooms or wild foods. You may also find it at general farmers markets, particularly during the late summer and fall months when the mushroom is in season.

Specialty food stores that focus on natural and organic foods may also carry Chicken of the Woods. Check with your local health food store or gourmet market to see if they carry it. You may also want to try looking online at specialty food retailers.

Another option for sourcing Chicken of the Woods is to look for it on online marketplaces. There are several websites that specialize in wild mushrooms, including Chicken of the Woods. Keep in mind that when buying online, it's important to purchase from a reputable seller to ensure the mushroom is fresh and safe to eat.

Once you've sourced your Chicken of the Woods, it's time to start cooking with it! Here are some tips on how to prepare and cook this delicious mushroom:

Before cooking with Chicken of the Woods, it's important to clean it thoroughly. Remove any dirt or debris with a damp cloth or paper towel. You may also want to trim any tough or woody parts of the mushroom.

Chicken of the Woods can be prepared in a variety of ways, including sautéing, grilling, or roasting. Its meaty texture makes it a great substitute for chicken or pork in many recipes.

Looking for some recipe inspiration? Try using Chicken of the Woods in a stir-fry, tacos, or even as a substitute for pulled pork in sandwiches. You can also use it as a topping for pizza or as a filling for quesadillas.

Chicken of the Woods may not be as well-known as other mushrooms, but it's definitely worth seeking out. Whether you forage for it yourself or purchase it from a specialty store, Chicken of the Woods is a delicious and versatile addition to any meal. Its meaty texture and umami flavor make it a great substitute for meat in many dishes, making it a favorite among vegans and vegetarians. So go ahead and give Chicken of the Woods a try – you won't be disappointed!

Yes, Chicken of the Woods is safe to eat as long as it is properly identified and cooked.

Yes, Chicken of the Woods can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, or frozen for longer storage.

Yes, Chicken of the Woods can be grown on logs using a mushroom spawn kit.

No, Chicken of the Woods should always be cooked before consumption.

Yes, Chicken of the Woods is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

At Foraged, we’re on a mission to empower small-scale food purveyors to grow healthy, sustainable businesses while nourishing everyday people by providing easy access to unique foods.

By supporting Foraged vendors, you're helping to build a better, more sustainable food system for everyone.

Plus, we're committed to doing things the right way - our platform puts the power back in the knowledgeable hands of those who grow, harvest, and create foods most responsibly. 

And we don't just stop there, we also want to make sure you know how to cook and preserve the specialty foods you source from Foraged, which is why we provide educational resources and delicious recipes for you to try.

Did you learn a lot from this post about selling food online?

Here are three more posts to read next:

• Tips for Finding Chicken of the Woods

• Chicken of the Woods Life Cycle and Look-a-likes

• The Essential Guide to Chicken of the Woods