Seasons/Availability
Hen of the Woods mushrooms are available in winter.
They are found in late September through December in the US. This mushroom has a short growing season and is often hard to find.
Preparation/Storage
Hen of the Woods mushrooms should be cooked before eating as they are tough when raw. To prepare, rinse them lightly with cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. They can then be cut into bite-sized pieces for use in soups, stir fries, omelets, risotto, pasta dishes or as an accompaniment to any meat dish. It is best to store Hen of the Woods mushrooms in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If desired, they may also be frozen for up to six months. For optimal flavor and texture it’s best not to freeze them.
Nutritional Value
Hen of the Woods mushrooms are rich in vitamins B1, B2 and D as well as calcium, potassium and dietary fiber. They are also a great source of antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Uses
Hen of the Woods mushrooms can be used in a variety of dishes to add flavor and nutrition. They can be incorporated into soups, stir fries, omelets, risotto, pasta dishes or served as an accompaniment to any meat dish. Additionally, they can be dried for use in teas or tinctures for medicinal purposes. Furthermore, their unique texture makes them perfect for adding texture to salads or vegetable dishes.
