Cauliflower Fungus is parasitic on roots of conifers especially on dead and dying coniferous stumps and standing trees. It is infrequent in southern parts of Finland, Norway and Sweden. It is especially cultivated in South-East Asia. Generally, it is shaped like an irregular sphere on a short stem. The color of the spores ranges from white to pale yellow. It grows in coniferous woods close to various different species. It is found throughout Europe and North America.

Cauliflower Fungus has the shape of globe with diameter upto 61 cm. Individual lobes are white/yellow to lasagna noodles due to its flat and curly surface. The shape of the mushroom resembles head of cauliflower. The spores can be white or yellow. The color of the flesh can range from ivory, pale yellow, to white and the texture of the folds are brittle and firm with a smooth side that releases spores into the air. Usually, it grows in forests at the base of coniferous tree stumps. It has pleasant odor and has mild taste.

Facts About Cauliflower Fungus

Fruiting body

It is 5-20 cm tall, 6-30 mm across and can be even bigger or sometimes it could attain the weight of 6 kg. The overall shape is elliptical or irregularly spherical with thick and fleshy base from which leafy branches grow or develop. The edges of the wavy or curled lobed leaves are toothed. They are whitish which becomes yellowish later and becomes orange-yellow to yellowish-brown when become old. The base of the stipe is black.

Flesh

Flesh is white, flexible, waxy with pleasant smell and tastes nutty.

Spores

Spores are smooth, elliptical, light yellow and 5-7 x 4-5 µm.

Health Benefits of Cauliflower Fungus

1. Disease prevention

In-vitro and in-vivo tests showed active components of Cauliflower Fungus with the potential of promoting anti-tumor activity in patients. The components intensifies haematopoietic response and activate macrophage and dendritic cell function by preventing metastasis and angiogenesis at the same time. With other procedures, the patients suffering from lung, colon, breast, ovarian, stomach, prostate, and liver diseases exhibits marked improvement in quality of life scores after intake of mushroom over a period of 15 months.

2. Prevention of microbes

Cauliflower Fungus has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties which is effective against several anti-fungal agents which are resistant to anti-bacterial drugs. The chemicals inhibit the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA. The fungus extracts have shown high levels of possible resistors for HIV-1.

3. Skin health

Cauliflower Fungus increases the amount of synthesized collagen and decreases water loss in healthy humans.  It is noted for having the ability to inhibit melanin synthesis and delays darkening or tanning of the skin. People with skin asthma or allergies experienced reduction of inflammation and itching after mushroom intake. Moreover, it has a potential of promoting the wound healing abilities of diabetic patients.

4. Prevention of stroke

Cauliflower Fungus helps to delay or limit strokes or possibility of death in stroke prone tests. The active components present in mushroom helps to lower blood pressure and improve cerebrovascular endotheolialdys function for preventing strokes from occurring or progressing.

Traditional uses

• It is used to reduce allergies such as itching or inflammation
• It is helpful for people for healing wounds for those who suffer from diabetes.

Culinary uses

• Boil it before adding the mushrooms to the dish.
• It pairs well with rice, eggplant, asparagus, carrots, fresh sorrel, celery, thyme, parsley, oyster sauce, bay leaves, soy sauce, yellow onions, garlic, meats such as poultry, beef, prawns and russet potatoes.
• Add it to soups.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sparassis_crispa

https://www.mushroomexpert.com/sparassis_spathulata.html

http://www.medicalmushrooms.net/sparassis-crispa/

http://www.mushroom-hunting.net/en/mushroom-species/sparassis-crispa.html

https://elmaskincare.com/herbs/herbs_cauliflower_mushroom.htm

https://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Cauliflower_Mushrooms_730.php

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