Rooster of the Woods Mushroom

Rooster of the Woods Mushroom (Meripilus sumstinei) is a polypore fungus (like Reishi and Turkey Tail) with feathery appearance similar to that of Maitake (aka 'Hen of the Woods'). It packs a richly aromatic and deeply flavourful, earthy, umami punch, with an even firmer texture than Maitake. Generally, only the last inch or so of the elongated, feathery tips are of a (chewy) texture suitable for eating directly, e.g. in Duxelles, with the more leathery base of the mushroom better suited to use in making stock, e.g. for Risotto, or drying and powdering for use in soups and sauces.