Sulfur Sponge

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

The sulfur sponge / Laetiporus sulphureus / is a species of basidiomycete fungus. It belongs to the family Polyporaceae. In it, the fruiting bodies can be painted in different colors, most often in yellow or orange. The species is distributed mainly in Europe and North America. Its English names are Chicken of the woods and Sulfur shelf. In Germany the fungus is called Schwefelporling, and in Russia it is known as Trutovik sulfur-yellow.

The fruiting body of the sulfur mushroom is rounded, about 35-40 centimeters wide, yellowing, wrinkled. In the case of old mushrooms, it is usually covered with a flour deposit. It is interesting for this species that the individual fruiting bodies are connected to each other. The tubes of the sulfur sponge are about 4-5 millimeters long. They are colored yellow and combined with the meat.

When the fungus reaches a certain age, they begin to secrete a specific liquid. The flesh of the sulfur mushroom has a good smell. It also has a specific unobtrusive sour note. In young mushrooms it is juicy and soft, but over time it becomes firm. Spore pollen in this species is colored white.

Collection and storage of sulfur sponge

Mushroom picking is an extremely enjoyable activity, but still should be practiced only in the company of competent mushroom pickers. Experienced mushroom pickers know that Laetiporus sulphureus can be found mostly in deciduous forests. Sometimes it inhabits coniferous forests. This species grows on both living and dead deciduous trees.

Most specimens of the species can be found during the spring months. In the fall, too, it is possible to come across sulfur sponge. It is usually found in large quantities. It often happens that it stays on a tree for several years. When collecting Laetiporus sulphureus, you should pay attention to the age of the fungus, as the old representatives of the species are not suitable for consumption.

In them, the flesh is tough and firm to the touch, and the hood is faded in color. It is believed that Laetiporus sulphureus can hardly be confused with another species, but care must still be taken.

As for the storage of sulfur sponge, in this respect it is superior to most other species. As a rule, mushrooms should not be stored for a long time without being specially treated, as they quickly lose their fresh appearance. However, the sulfur sponge can be preserved even if it is not stored in the refrigerator for more than 24 hours.

Cooking a sulfur sponge

The sulfur sponge is widely used in the kitchen. As already mentioned, the young fruiting bodies of Laetiporus sulphureus are used for culinary purposes. Some people are afraid to eat older mushrooms, in which the meat has not yet hardened too much. The flesh of the young specimens is juicy, with a slight sour taste and a pleasant aroma.

In vegetarian cuisine, it is used as a substitute for chicken. Prepared with the necessary spices, it is so similar to the product of animal origin that the difference is difficult to notice. In fact, this feature of the meat is the reason why in some countries it is called the chicken of the forest.

The sulfur sponge is suitable for frying, marinating, cooking, breading. All kinds of specialties can be prepared from it, and spices such as rosemary, thyme, black pepper and saffron are usually used to flavor the meat.

We offer you an idea for a salad with a sulfur mushroom, which is not only very fresh, but also dietary.

Necessary products: 400 g sulfur sponge, 2 tablespoons strained yogurt, 2 green onions, 3 boiled potatoes, 1 dill, olive oil, lemon juice, pepper, salt

Method of preparation: The young fruiting bodies of sulfur sponge are cleaned and washed. Cut into large pieces and boil in salted water for about an hour. Then wash with cold water and allow to drain. Meanwhile, cut the potatoes into cubes and chop the green onions and dill. All crushed products are mixed in a large bowl and add the strained milk and spices. The salad is stirred and served. Optionally garnished with black olives.

Benefits of sulfur sponge

There are many benefits to sulfur sponge. It has been proven to be a source of fiber, protein, vitamin C, vitamin B, vitamin D and vitamin K. Sulfur is valuable for medicine because it is needed for the production of certain types of drugs. It contains many useful substances that have a positive effect on problems with the liver and bile ducts.

They also have a beneficial effect on problems with the respiratory system. Sulfur sponge is sometimes used as a cure for tuberculosis. According to some experts, the consumption of this type of mushroom also helps to reduce excess weight faster. In fact, two cups of this type of mushroom contains only about thirty calories.

Damage from a sulfur sponge

The sulfur sponge causes damage mostly to the tree on which it grows. It damages the wood even of living trees. However, scientists are not unanimous whether it is a parasite or not.

In terms of human health, the sulfur fungus can also be dangerous if the consumer has an allergy to it. If a person has not tried the mushroom before, only a small part of it is consumed at the first bite. In case of an allergic reaction, there are problems with digestion, hallucinations, nausea and others.