Lion's mane

Hericium erinaceus

mushroom

A white mushroom growing as a single clump, covered in long, soft, dangling spines 2 to 7 cm long, on hardwoods across the northern hemisphere; edible when young, pan-fried or roasted. It provides beta-glucans and ergothioneine.

Origin

Temperate forests (Asia, Europe, America)

Season (United States)

September to November · grows in your region

Preparation

It is torn into pieces by hand, pan-fried dry first to drive off its water, then with a little butter until golden; it is eaten cooked, never raw, and its texture recalls crab.

Molecules

Mushroom beta-glucans · Ergothioneine

Did you know?

In Japan it is called yamabushitake: it looks like the chest ornaments of the yamabushi, medieval mountain ascetics and warriors.