Known as the hen of the woods, maitake, sheepshead mushroom and signorina these delicious, bountiful fungi have lots of names and are king of the Fall mushrooms in the Midwest. In this post Ill tell you everything you need to know to find, identify, harvest, clean and cook them.
One of a few mushrooms only found East of the Rockies in North America, hen of the woods, (also known as Grifola frondosa) are a choice edible mushroom that grows at the base of trees. At a glance the mushrooms look like a roosting bird, which is where the name comes from. Theyre a parasitic polypore mushroom that infects living trees and injured trees, causing a butt-rot in the host.
Also known as maitake (dancing mushroom in Japanese) these have a long history of use in Japanese cuisine and culture. As legend has it, perfect mushrooms could be worth their weight in silver and harvested by samurai or given as gifts to the shogun. Theyre also prized in Japan for their (reputed) medicinal properties supporting the immune system.
Maitake mushrooms and oyster mushrooms are similar in appearance, having a fan-like shape and light tan color. The difference between maitake and oyster mushrooms is that oyster mushrooms are smaller and have a mild and delicate flavor, while maitake mushrooms grow in large clusters and have a rich and peppery flavor.
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Hen of the Woods Look Alikes
Theres a few mushrooms that look like hen of the woods, or could be confused with them, but here are no poisonous look alikes. Heres the top five you should know.
Black Staining Polypore (Meripilus sumstinei)
Also easily confused with hens, the black staining polypore also grows at the base of infected oak trees, but is easily identified from its black staining when bruised or handled. Its delicious, tasting like a hen crossed with black trumpet mushrooms.
Its tougher than hens, and need special treatment like drying and powdering. Cut the tender ½ inch margin into duxelles, or make them into stock and broth.
Plant based meat option= Maitake mushrooms are great meat substitutes!
FAQ
Are there any poisonous look alikes for hen of the woods?
Is maitake the same as chicken of the woods?
What do maitake mushrooms taste like?
The flavor of maitake mushrooms is earthy, meaty, and nutty. This should be a good enough indication of why it has been considered a delicacy for centuries. Maitake is used in many Asian dishes, especially soups. They have also been incorporated into Western foods to substitute for meat.
What are reishi mushrooms?
The reishi mushroom is a fungus with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties and that contribute to cardiovascular and immune health. However, the evidence is still inconclusive about its benefits.
Are shiitake mushrooms better than maitake mushrooms?
In terms of texture, shiitakes are springier than maitakes. Shiitakes also have a stronger flavor than maitake mushrooms, which is why they’re so popular in many dishes. These can be cooked in different ways to yield various tastes – they may be added raw to salads or cooked in soups or sauces.
Can you use maitake instead of button mushrooms?
They can be stir-fried, baked, sautéed, stuffed, or made into tea. One of the most popular recipes is to simply fry them in oil or butter until crisp. Maitake can replace button mushrooms in any recipe for a more flavorful result. Many people also freeze them before cooking.