Laetiporus sulphureus

The first rains have arrived, let the mushroom season begin!

Chicken of the Woods, Laetiporus sulphureus ( bawk! bawk! ) comes out soon before the first rain of the season. It grows out in orange fans, this one about a foot and half across, weighing 3 or 4 pounds. It is amazing how large it gets with such little water.

Laetiporus sulphureus, 10/17/10

The bottom is a velvety yellow.

Laetiporus sulphureus, 10/17/10

Cooked, it has the texture of cooked chicken meat and a mild flavor.

UPDATE: I have been informed that this mushroom should not be eaten if old, or if it was found on Eucalyptus stumps. When young it is tender and the underside has a clear liquid on the surface.