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Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
The Cauliflower mushroom is a large, capless mushroom composed of clusters of frilled, leaf-like branches emerging from a joined base. Its appearance resembles a coral reef, though its name suggests it looks like a head of cauliflower. Its surface and flesh color are both ivory white to pale cream. The texture is crunchy and firm, though brittle to the touch and must be handled carefully. The mushroom gives off deep aromas of musk and earth. The flavor is mild with notes of fennel and almond. The older, more mature specimens can become quite tough and bitter tasting. The largest mushrooms can weigh up to one pound. The sign of an aging heavy mushroom are droopy browning branches; these should be avoided. Cauliflower mushrooms have no poisonous look-alikes.
Seasons/Availability
Cauliflower mushrooms are available in the fall.
Current Facts
The Cauliflower mushroom has collected many scientific names: Sparassis, S. spathulata, S. radicata, S. crispa and S. herbstii, though it is only one mushroom. This particular specimen is Sparassis radicata. It is a wild edible mushroom of the Sparassidaceae family. The differences in these species is environmental and depends entirely upon the tree host; though some physical variations may exist.
Nutritional Value
Cauliflower mushrooms contain a constituent called sparassol, which is an anti-fungal and antibiotic. The leafy mushroom also contains beta-glucans which have been shown to slow tumor growth.
Applications
The Cauliflower is subject to woodland bugs and debris and must be carefully cleaned before cooking. Cut into florettes, batter or saute. Leave whole, then dredge in tempura batter or breading and fry. Pair with rice, asparagus, eggplant and fresh sorrel. Cauliflower mushrooms are great in soups or consumes. To store, keep mushrooms refrigerated in a container between damp paper towels. For best quality and texture, use within one week.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Japan, Cauliflower mushrooms are known as hanabiratake and are cultivated for both edible and medicinal purposes.
Geography/History
The Cauliflower mushroom can be found growing at the base of conifer trees, specifically Douglass Fir and Bishop Pine trees on the West coast of the United States and at the base of hardwood trees on the East coast. Cauliflower mushrooms tend to grow in the same spots year after year. In North America the Sparassis radicata can be found growing along the West Coast in northern California up to British Columbia and Sparassis crispa is found on the East coast up into Canada. S. crispa is also found in Europe.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Cauliflower Mushrooms. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Cauliflower Mushrooms using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
Pike Place Market
Sosio's Produce In Pike Place Market
Near Seattle, Washington, United States1st Ave and Pike St., Seattle 98101 206-622-1370 www.sosiosproduce.com About 666 days ago, 10/21/16 Spotter's comments : Cauliflower Mushrooms spotted at Pike Place Market. This is why I come to Pike Place Market, what a delicious find! Hy-Vee Near Columbia, Missouri, United States About 679 days ago, 10/08/16 |
