Chicken of the Woods
Nutrition
Laetiporus sulphureus
is classified as a detrivore, which means that it
feeds and thrives by decaying dead material from fallen trees,
particularily oak trees and other hardwoods.
Laetiporus sulphureus is also known to grow on conifer trees like
juniper, pine, hemlock, spruce, fir etc. Organisms found growing
on this substrate are not edible to humans, but organisms found growing on hardwoods are edible when in their younger stages of growth. As
with all wild organisms, it is important to know what exactly you have
before eating it. Do not eat anything without properly identifying
and cleaning it first!
Laetiporus sulphureus
can also be classified as a parasite, because if it
starts growing on a live tree, it will work to break down and decay the
living tree. This ultimately kills the tree by causing a brown
heart rot within the vascular tissues of the live tree.
Laetiporus sulphureus attains its
nutrients from the outside substrate
via single-septate hypae, which is a common means of
acquiring nutrients for many phylum of fungi. The hyphae work much
like a root system would would in a plant. They reach out into the
environment and absorb water and other nutrients from the soil, while
they can bring back to the body of the organism. These nutrients (such
as phosphorus, copper, selenium, and many vitamins) are used by
the organism to produce the fruiting body seen growing above the
substrate, which contains the spores that are used for reproduction.
Laetiporus sulphureus
is a great substitute for chicken in salads, and other light dishes.
It has much nutritional value, as they have very few calories and are
80-90% water, and is a good source of vitamins and minerals that we need
to stay healthy! :)
To read some other INTERESTING
FACTS on Laetiporus sulphureus,
CLICK HERE!