Polypores
Polypores are those mushrooms that often grow directly out of wood and have a smooth undersurface of tiny pores. They are woody and generally too tough to eat, though some are being used in medicinal preparations especially in immune boosting formulas and in tea. There are a few that are edible, quite good and easy to identify. Â
Laetiporus conifericola – Chicken of the woods, bright yellow & smooth underside of layers
When harvesting this easily identifiable mushroom, cut only the tender first couple inches of each layer. The mushroom gets very tough as it ages. Slice the mushroom in thin long strips and cook slowly and thoroughly.
