Cauliflower mushroom
Sparassis crispa · Fungus
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The cauliflower mushroom is a large, cream-coloured wild fungus of the genus Sparassis that grows as a dense, ruffled rosette of flattened, wavy lobes — looking less like a typical mushroom than a giant egg-noodle sponge or a head of cauliflower. Found at the base of conifers in autumn, it is mild, faintly sweet and nutty, with a pleasantly crunchy, noodle-like bite that holds up well in cooking.
Picking a good onedrag
Cream, firm, lobes springyBrown, sodden, lobes collapsed
Market freshEveryday bestDunk the sections and swish - unlike most mushrooms it soaks up little water, so washing is safe. Cook it right through; if it is new to you, eat a small portion first.
The lobesEdges yellowing, the mass still cream and crisp
The whole rosetteFirm with a little give, still holds its ruffle
The cut baseCream, the cut face a shade darker
Smell in the foldsMild, plainly mushroomy