Chicken of the woods mushrooms are a delicious wild edible mushroom that grow in shelflike clusters on trees. They have a meaty texture and absorb flavors beautifully. Their orange and yellow coloring makes them easy to spot in the woods.
Chicken of the woods is best consumed fresh, but it’s not always possible to eat them all when you find a bountiful harvest. Freezing is an excellent way to preserve the harvest and enjoy these tasty mushrooms for months.
Here is a complete guide on identifying, harvesting, preparing, and freezing chicken of the woods mushrooms.
Identifying Chicken of the Woods
- Scientifically known as Laetiporus sulphureus or Laetiporus cincinnatus
- Grow in shelf-like clusters on hardwood trees
- Have a bright orange or yellow underside with a paler top
- Pores instead of gills on the underside
- Texture ranges from tender to woody
Look-alikes exist, so positive identification is crucial before eating. Cross-reference multiple field guides and/or consult an experienced mushroom hunter.
Harvesting Chicken of the Woods
- Harvest sustainably – don’t take more than you need
- Use a sharp knife to cut the mushroom at the base
- Avoid old, bug-damaged, or rotting parts
- Look for mushrooms growing on live, healthy trees
Preparing the Mushrooms
Thorough cleaning and preparation are vital for good results when freezing,
- Clean dirt, debris, and bugs off with a soft brush
- Wash gently in cool water
- Slice off any old, wormy, or rotten spots
- Cut into bite-sized pieces for easier freezing
- Dry the mushrooms very well before freezing
Blanching
Blanching is a quick boil that helps preserve color, texture, and flavor.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil
- Add mushrooms and blanch for 2-3 minutes
- Transfer immediately to an ice bath
- Drain, dry, and pat completely dry
Packaging
- Freezer bags – remove as much air as possible
- Vacuum sealer bags – best option
- Airtight containers
Freezing Process
- Spread mushrooms in a single layer on a sheet pan
- Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid
- Transfer to packaging, removing all air
- Seal, label with contents and date
- Freeze for up to 12 months
Thawing and Using
- Thaw overnight in the fridge or use frozen
- Cook thoroughly before eating
- Can be used in any recipe calling for mushrooms
Storage Tips
- Blanching prevents deterioration in texture and flavor
- Packaging tightly prevents freezer burn
- Frozen chicken of the woods keeps for about 12 months
- Cook frozen chicken of the woods thoroughly before eating
Freezing chicken of the woods mushrooms enables you to enjoy their unique, meaty flavor all year round. Follow these best practices for identifying, harvesting, preparing, and freezing, and you’ll have delicious chicken of the woods on hand anytime.
One of the tastier fungi you’ll find this time of year grows in large clumps, so you will probably need to store some for future use
Late summer and fall across the Midwest and South mean chicken of the woods mushrooms are sprouting, probably in a stand of timber near you. Chicken of the woods are big mushrooms, often nearing 2 feet across. Their bright orange and white colors make them stand out in the woods so they are easily spotted from a distance. The best part? They taste great and can be used in a ton of different recipes.
There are two species of chicken mushrooms across much of the Midwest. Laetiporus cincinnatus has a cream-colored underside, while Laetiporus sulphureus, also known as sulfur shelf, has a yellow underside. Laetiporus cincinnatus often grows above roots at the base of oak trees, while Laetiporus sulphureus grows directly on the wood.
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To harvest, use a sharp knife to slice away the mushroom where it attaches to the bark. Break or slice the mushroom shelves apart. Avoid older mushrooms that are extremely woody or insect damaged.
There arent many real lookalikes for chicken of the woods, but as with all wild mushrooms, it is better to learn from an experienced forager or cross-reference at least two reputable field guides before consuming. Note that in a few people, chicken of the woods can cause a bit of gastric distress. If you have never eaten one before, it is best to start with small quantities to make certain you wont have any issues. I always caution people to treat chicken of the woods just like you would raw chicken when cooking and make sure the mushroom is cooked through before eating.
Since chicken of the woods often grows in such large clumps, you often end up with plenty of extra. You can store the mushrooms in brown paper bags inside your refrigerator for seven to nine days, but much longer than that and you will need to employ a long-term storage solution.
Unlike chanterelles and morels, which dont freeze well unless they have been cooked, chicken of the woods meaty texture holds up to freezing well. In fact, freezing is the best way to store them that Ive found. Once thawed, use the mushrooms just like you would if they were fresh.
To freeze, start by cleaning the mushrooms well. Trim away any woody or insect-eaten portions of the mushrooms. Brush away any loose dirt, bark, or leaf pieces. Rinse the mushrooms well under cool water, then pat them dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. Its important that the mushrooms are dry when you package them, or else the texture will get soft and mushy.
Once you have the mushrooms clean and dry, pack them into zip-style freezer bags, or even better, vacuum seal them with your Weston or other brand sealer. Packaged in this way, the mushrooms will keep for up to a year.
Experiment! 2 Methods of Chicken of the Woods Mushroom Storage
FAQ
Does chicken of the woods freeze well?
These mushrooms store well in the refrigerator for up to a week, and they freeze very well. Clean, slice into strips, and vacuum seal; store in the freezer until ready to use.
How can I preserve chicken of the woods mushrooms?
In fact, freezing is the best way to store them that I’ve found. Once thawed, use the mushrooms just like you would if they were fresh.Oct 6, 2021
Do you have to cook chicken of the woods before freezing?
You can freeze with no cooking. Put prep into the desired size and remove bugs. Mine was made into jerky. Freezer bag or container only.
What is the best way to freeze hen of the woods mushrooms?
Freeze them in ziplock or vacuum seal bags. That’s it! I’ve experimented with drying Hen of the Woods, and while the flavor is nice, the texture isn’t as good as frozen. If you can’t freeze your Hens, dry them, but don’t expect a fresh mushroom texture upon rehydration.