Pheasant Back Mushroom Culinary Powder
If you forage like I do, you’re definitely in the right place to explore the wonderful world of wild edibles. There are thousands of wild fungi to discover, but I have chosen to focus primarily on just a few that are completely edible and absolutely safe to eat. These carefully selected fungi not only spark my interest and curiosity but also offer a fulfilling and satisfying cooking experience.
What are Pheasant Back Mushrooms? Pheasant back mushrooms, often called cucumber mushrooms also known scientifically as Polyporus squamosus or Dryad's Saddle, are a type of polypore fungi that can be found in various habitats, particularly in mixed forests. Their common name derives from their distinctive appearance, which resembles the feathers of a pheasant, featuring overlapping scales and a pattern that resembles a bird’s plumage.
These mushrooms typically fruit in late spring to early autumn, growing on decaying wood, particularly hardwoods like birch and oak. Pheasant back mushrooms are easily identifiable by their broad, fan-shaped caps that can reach sizes of up to 30 cm in diameter. The caps are typically light brown to tan with dark scale-like structures, while the undersides feature tiny pores instead of gills. Pheasant back mushrooms grow on trees and often fruit at the same time as Morels and definitely easier to find than Morels. Young Pheasant Backs are tender enough to eat except for the area around the stalk, which can still be used for broth. Size doesn’t always indicate the age. A big, fast-growing specimen may be young and tender, while small, slow-growing one may be old and tough.
Pheasant Back Mushroom Powder is a unique culinary ingredient which is rich in umami flavour, the powder is a versatile addition to various dishes, enhancing both taste and nutrition.
When preparing pheasant back mushroom powder, it’s essential to ensure that the mushrooms are dried properly to preserve their flavour and aroma. This can be achieved by slicing the mushrooms thinly and dehydrating them until they are completely dry. Once powdered, the mushroom can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain its potency.
This powder can be incorporated into sauces, soups, and stews, providing a depth of flavour that complements other ingredients. It can also be sprinkled on roasted vegetables, added to grain dishes, or used as a seasoning for meats. Due to its earthy and slightly sweet profile, pheasant back mushroom powder works well with both savoury and sweet preparations, making it a flexible pantry staple.
In addition to its numerous culinary benefits, pheasant back mushrooms are also highly valued for their impressive potential health properties. These unique mushrooms are not only nutritious but also contain a variety of medicinal properties, making them a great addition to a balanced diet. A 100-gram portion of pheasant back mushrooms provides almost 18 grams of protein, 77 grams of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and is a rich source of essential vitamins such as B1, B2, B12, C, and D. Furthermore, they are packed with antioxidants and possess immune-boosting properties that may support overall health and wellness. This means that pheasant back mushroom powder serves not only as a delightful flavor enhancer but also as a nutritious boost to a wide range of meals. When exploring new culinary creations, the versatility of pheasant back mushroom powder presents endless possibilities for those eager to expand their ingredient repertoire and elevate their cooking endeavors.
Pheasant Back Mushroom Culinary Powder Recipe
By Zosia Culinary Adventures | Date: May 28, 2025
Preparation Time: 15 hours (including drying)
Ingredients:
fresh and tender pheasant back mushroom
manual or electric grinder
Instructions:
Scrape off the outer pore layer carefully. Next, slice the cap thinly into similar small sizes to ensure that all pieces dry evenly.
Place the freshly cut mushroom slices evenly on the food dehydrator trays, ensuring they are not overlapping. Dry them at a consistent temperature of 125 to 135°F, or 52 to 57°C, for approximately 10 hours or until you can confirm they are completely dried and have a firm texture. The best approach is to run the food dehydrator overnight.
Once the mushrooms are thoroughly dried, the next step is to grind them into a fine powder. I typically follow a two-step process to achieve this consistency: first, I use a manual hand grinder to break them down into coarse pieces. This initial grinding helps to prepare the mushrooms for the next step. Following that, I transfer these coarse pieces into a specialized grain or seed grinder, which ensures that I obtain a perfectly fine mushroom powder, ideal for use in various recipes.
Once powdered, the mushroom can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain its potency.🍄
