HAPPY CATURDAY! 😻................... NW Cascade Wanderings

Happy Caturday Everybody! 😻

It’s Caturday throughout the world today! Be sure to give your furry feline friends a hug and a kitty treat or two in celebration! 😻 To go along with Caturday, I have some great photos of my kitty boys Cot and Cyle. First, here’s Cot being his handsome, silly self.

He looks good in black and white too, doesn’t he? Cyle is a bit more reserved, but that’s to be expected with an older kitty. What I find interesting about him, is that all that white fur is just a bit longer than the grey tiger fur is-almost like he’s wearing a fur collar.

I’ve notice lately, that there is a lot more fall color coming out, especially with the Big Leaf Maples. I don’t have any pictures of what I’m seeing, but am hoping to get some in the next few days to share. It’s more of a golden yellow, rather than the usual mustard yellow. When the sun hits it, it just glows.

For today, I’ve decided to talk about Chicken of the Woods. What is that you ask? It’s a brilliantly orange colored fungus that is edible!

I asked Lumo just what is Chicken of the Wood? Here’s what it had to say:

Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus spp.)
Chicken of the woods is a striking, shelf‑like fungus that grows on trees and logs. Its common name comes from its bright orange‑to‑yellow coloration and the fact that many people describe its texture and flavor as reminiscent of cooked chicken.

What it is

• Scientific name: Laetiporus – most commonly L. sulphureus (North America) or L. cincinnatus(Europe).
• Family: Polyporaceae.
• Growth habit: Forms large, overlapping brackets (often 10–30 cm across) that emerge from the trunks or stumps of hardwoods (especially oak, beech, and chestnut) and occasionally conifers.

Identification tips

Typical appearance:

Bright orange, yellow, or salmon‑orange; sometimes fades to brown with age.

SURFACE:
Smooth to slightly velvety; may develop concentric rings as it matures.

PORES (underside)
Small, round pores; white when young, turning pinkish‑brown with age

FLESH:
Soft, spongy, “chewy” when fresh; becomes tougher and woody as it ages

SMELL:
Mild, sometimes faintly sweet; no strong odor.

TASTE:
Mild, often compared to chicken when cooked.

It is said that young specimens are the ones you want to harvest to eat as the older ones tend to get tough, woody and bitter. They might look like these do.

Lumo goes on to say:

Culinary uses

• Preparation: Slice into strips or cubes, then sauté, grill, or bake. Cooking eliminates any mild toxins and improves texture.
• Flavor profile: Nutty, slightly sweet, with a firm “meaty” bite that holds up well in stews, stir‑fries, or as a vegetarian “chicken” substitute.
• Pairings: Works nicely with garlic, thyme, soy sauce, lemon juice, or creamy sauces.
  Potential risks & cautions
• Allergic reactions: Some individuals experience skin irritation or gastrointestinal upset, especially with older fruiting bodies. Start with a small portion if you’ve never tried it before.
• Look‑alikes: Ganoderma species (e.g., reishi) can appear similar but are typically darker, harder, and have a bitter taste. Misidentification can lead to unpleasant meals.
• Environmental considerations: Harvest responsibly—take only a few brackets from each tree to allow the fungus to continue reproducing and supporting forest ecology.
  Where you’ll find it
• Geography: Widely distributed across North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of Australia.
• Season: Late spring through early fall, depending on climate. Warm, moist conditions favor rapid growth.

It definitely grows here in our forest! There is a copycat look alike as noted above, so be careful and sure of what you are harvesting!

I personally, don’t eat mushrooms; I just can’t stand the taste of any of them. I much prefer to photograph them, but I would have to say that perhaps Chicken of the Wood might be one I might consider!

Enjoy this last photo of a random ‘shroom!

My steps for the day:

That’s gonna be it for today! Happy Caturday, once again, and enjoy the rest of your day wherever you are! 🙏🌏🙏

👣🐑☕️😁😎👍☁️🎃🍂🍁🌻🌙🥱😴

Picture taken by me and altered by cliptocomic app

@elizabethbit is a member of ladiesofsgs4eva
a sweet group of lady stackers of SGH