photo by Helen Geisler
Have you ever stumbled upon this strange looking fungus in the woods? I remember the first time I saw it. It was so unique and thought provoking that I spent about ten minutes with it not realizing at the time that it was a choice find. I knew no better then. To this day I still feel a bit silly for my ignorance. That one I saw all those years ago was lucky to get away! The Lion’s Mane is a SCORE!
The proud author with a super fresh and sizable find!
photo by Helen Geisler
I like to call this fungus the Seafood of the Forest because of it’s delicious oceanic flavor. This interesting looking mushroom, when prepared correctly and sauteed in a hot pan is a lot like fresh scallops! I recently brought one to the restaurant where I work and gave some to my friend’s who own the place. I’ve brought them mushrooms before, but upon looking at this “creature” they both seemed a bit skeptical. I reassured them. Once prepared and eaten they couldn’t believe their taste buds, high marks all around.
These wonderful “mushrooms” are medicinal and have been used for millenia in the East and who knows for how long here in the Americas. I’m sure the Indians could have told us plenty about them. The Lion’s Mane is said to be good for memory and nerve damage in the brain, amongst other things, which is especially poignant in this age of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Dementia. Drop the pharmaceuticals people, look to the Earth! She has all we need and it’s fun to go get it! This incredible fungus is delicious and good for you! To think that for all these years people have said health food doesn’t taste good! What a joke.
When you find a Lion’s Mane check how fresh it is. Sometimes they will be yellowy or brown around the edges or full of water if it has been raining. If you are lucky it will be prime. Either way it is worth taking with you. I have, on rare occasions, not taken one because it was too old and weathered, but that is rare. If it is wet bring it home and slice it into steak size pieces. You can then use towels to absorb excess moisture by pushing down on the pieces you have cut. After that put them in the fridge on a plate and let them sit for a couple hours. I have found them frozen on trees and it doesn’t seem to effect them poorly. They do like hardwoods and especially the Beech trees which are majestic, a smooth grey and have a bark that resembles elephant skin. The Lion’s Mane, like most things, grows to different sizes and sure, bigger is better! More to eat. This fungus has no poisonous look alike. I have found them hand sized and I have found them, one this year, about the size of my head (see photo.) They are easy to prepare and stay fresh for a considerable amount of time in the refrigerator or outside in mild to cool temperatures.
Looks like a brain and is good for your brain!
photo by Helen Geisler
Golden brown and ready to eat!
photo by Helen Geisler
I like to cook these mushrooms as I would seafood or scallops. Simply. Use olive oil or butter and get your pan hot. Slice your mushroom into half an inch thick steaks. Lay your slices in the pan and let them cook until they are a light golden brown. Use some sea salt, pepper and maybe an herb you like to season them. Once done take them out, set them aside and give them a try. They are phenomenal! My kids love them too! You can use these mushrooms in other dishes as well. They easily serve as the meat of an entree you are preparing or are perfect as a gourmet appetizer by themselves. Lion’s Mane are versatile and their flavor holds up well with sauces. My first choice is to eat them on their own, simply cooked! These are one of my favorite fungi. The season to find them is fall in the eastern woodlands here in Virginia. I am told that they are found in all of North America, in temperate Asia and in Europe. Keep your eyes open. Some folks have said they have found them in spring as well, winter too. I have spotted many while driving as they are a striking white and stand outwhen you do see them. They are unmistakable once you are upon them. Lion’s Mane are magical, like most things in nature, and will make your day a special one indeed! Bon apetit and happy hunting!
Author’s Note: This mushroom is somewhat of an exception in that it has no look a likes at all, poisonous or otherwise and is regarded as safe. It is very important to follow the rule “when in doubt, throw it out!,” or, better yet, leave it alone! It takes time to become an experienced forager so err on the side of caution when hunting. It is good to reconnect with our food gathering roots, so do it wisely!
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