Lion’s Mane "Pom Pom" - (Hericium Erinaceus) – is a mushroom that tastes like crabmeat! Hericium fruit has spines, not gills, and can be found fruiting on a variety of hardwood trees. Nearly identical in appearance and flavor to other Lion's Manes, this slight species variation differs in that this species forms a perfect singular ball of spines. Tearing this mushroom into strands and sautéing it with butter and garlic tastes nearly identical to crabmeat or lobster. Great mushroom for anyone with shellfish allergies that wish they could eat shrimp or other seafood, try coating slices into egg, breading and frying them, and pairing them with a spicy mayo sauce for dipping.
Lion’s Mane “Tufted" - (Hericium americanum) – is a mushroom that tastes like lobster. Become a believer, and this will be one of your favorite edible mushrooms that you’ll ever grow. Hericium fruit has spines, not gills, and can be found fruiting on a variety of hardwood trees. Nearly identical in appearance and flavor to other Lion's Manes, this slight species variation differs in that this species forms tight branches on the ball of the fruit body. Tearing this mushroom into strands and sautéing it with butter and garlic tastes nearly identical to crabmeat or lobster! Great mushroom for anyone with shellfish allergies that wish they could eat shrimp or other seafood, this mushroom is excellent on pasta dishes and will leave everyone at the table stealing the delicious chunks out of any dish you prepare
Edibility and taste: Like crabmeat or lobster when sautéed with butter, garlic, and onions.
Grows on: black walnut, oak, beech, elm, maple, cherry.
Fruiting Temps: 50-65F.
Availability: Year-Round.