Is cauliflower fungus edible?

Sparassis spathulata is an almost identical mushroom which grows with broadleaf trees, it is also known as Wood Cauliflower and is equally edible. Some mycologists consider other species in the Sparassis genus to exist, but this is of little interest for the forager as none is poisonous.

What fungus looks like cauliflower?

Sparassis crispa
Although Sparassis crispa is commonly known as the cauliflower fungus, it actually looks less like that vegetable than do many ramarias, such as R. magnipes. To us, the broad, flat, cream-colored, fan-like branches are much more similar to short egg noodles.

What does cauliflower fungus taste like?

Cauliflower mushroom is the ultimate soup mushroom. It’s essentially a cross between an al dente egg noodle and a mushroom. It has a mild flavor a lot like a morel mushroom that happens to go very well with red meats.

What are the different types of cauliflower mushrooms?

Current Facts There are many different varieties of Cauliflower mushroom in the Sparassis genus including Sparassis spathulata, Sparassis radicata, Sparassis crispa, and Sparassis herbstii, all belonging to the Sparassidaceae family.

Where do you find cauliflower mushrooms in California?

The cauliflower mushroom, as S. crispa is commonly called out here, is devilishly hard to find. I’ve walked whole seasons here in California without finding one. But walk you must, because this mushroom is a loner. The silver lining is that cauliflower mushrooms come up in the same spot year after year, so mark your GPS or mental map.

How can you tell if a cauliflower mushroom is poisonous?

You can continue to peel pieces after it’s split. Cauliflower mushrooms are very easy to identify and have no poisonous look-a-likes. While they do have somewhat of a cauliflower look to them, ivory or slightly yellow and a large cauliflower shaped head, they actually more resemble a bowl of damp egg noodles.

How big does a Sparassis cauliflower mushroom get?

A gigantic one can weigh a full 100 pounds, but most are between a pound and 10 pounds. They burst up from under the pine duff and really shine in a dark wood. Identification is super easy. Langdon has the best analogy: Imagine a big batch of egg noodles that you left in a colander overnight. That is exactly what a sparassis looks like.