PHEASANT BACK MUSHROOM

I might have lacked in the morels this season, but was happy to find some Dryad's Saddle (Polyporus squamosus, aka Pheasant Back mushroom) for the first time.

These mushrooms are one of the few edibles found at this time of year and are found in the same place every year until the wood is consumed. This makes for a sure thing, when morel hunting becomes frustrating

They're often described as not desirable but I disagree. It has a wonderful scent of watermelon rind and can be delicious if harvested at a young age (identified by almost invisible tight pores like it's been pricked by a sewing needle) and cooked properly (thinly sliced, at a low temperature, with moisture).

Flavour wise, they're perfect for your spring forest meals. I made a soup with duck broth, smoked ramps, duck leg, dryad's saddle, pea shoots, & spruce tip salt.

Dr. Cristina Allen, ND