Chaga (Cyclocybe aegerita), one of the world’s most beloved wild edibles, is beloved among foragers across North America. These towering, gnarled growths found adorning birch trees throughout this region serve as an indispensable ingredient in forager’s pantries – you can eat raw or steam them in hot water to make tea; otherwise they’re delicious when added into soups and stews. Chaga contains antioxidants that support immunity as well as relieve fatigue, reduce depression, aid digestion and boost energy levels – making this superfood an indispensable ingredient!

Dried chaga can be found at most supermarkets and health food stores, as well as being harvested directly from nature or foraged by amateur foragers. When harvesting wild or foraged chaga mushrooms it’s essential to seek guidance from an experienced guide for identification purposes, and ensure there are no pests present; additionally wearing gloves with protective blades would be wise as these mushrooms contain spikes which could scratch skin when harvesting them.

Working with dried mushrooms requires special care to remove the grit that clings to their surfaces, as even minute amounts can ruin both texture and flavor. Therefore, it’s vital that they be thoroughly soaked, strained, rinsed, and strained before use.

Soaking dried mushrooms is the preferred method for reconstituting them, although hot or even warm water doesn’t have to be used for this. Instead, save and reuse their soaking liquid in recipes as it often contains more mushroomy aromas than what’s actually contained within. After being soaked for sufficient time, mushrooms should be trimmed, squeezed dry, chopped into bite-size pieces before being stored or used again in recipes.

Tea tree mushrooms can be easily prepared by adding them into a stew or soup. Their deep, earthy flavour pairs well with ingredients like longan, spring chicken, pork ribs, ginger and red dates – or can even add something unique and unexpected! Stir fry dishes can also make great use of tea tree mushrooms thanks to its distinctive texture and unique taste that perfectly balance other ingredients.

Smoked mushroom varieties are another tasty delight when combined with Chinese panceta and sichuan peppers, creating an irresistibly satisfying combination. Their smoky flavour blends perfectly with their spicy heat – it’s easy to become addicted! Also served as an accompaniment with grilled meats or poultry dishes, smoked and spicy tea tree mushroom is an easy recipe that takes only minutes to make!