Cauliflower fungus – identification, habitat, distribution
Sparassis crispa
- Edibility 4 – use when still firm, clean thoroughly
- Identification 5 – unmistakable
- Distribution 2 – uncommon, pick responsibly when mature
- Season: September-November
- Habitat: At base of Sitka Spruce, Scots Pine
This is one of the most exciting fungi to stumble upon, nestling at the base of pine trees like a cloud of coral. Although uncommon, they tend to recur in established locations, though not necessarily in consecutive years. Firm young specimens are delicious, if laborious to clean, with a firm texture and fungal, nutty flavour. They can grow to enormous sizes (1m across), but football size is more normal. As the branches divide from a central stem, it is possible to harvest it in portion-size pieces, leaving the rest still live and growing.
It is very versatile, good for all mushroom dishes, though deep fried in tempura batter can be particular special.
2 Comments
Hi Mark! We just found one today!! It’s huge! I’m wondering how best to cook it, to make the most of it?
It dries well, so you don’t need to use all of it fresh. What you don’t cook fresh can also be pickled. Or cook and freeze.