Region of Origin
Commodity:
Mushroom Wild Cauliflower
Description & Origin
Cauliflower mushrooms grow around the base of confider trees, and are one of the harder to find edible wild mushrooms. They grow in North America, Europe, and Asia, and are particularly popular in Japanese cuisine and Chinese herbal medicine. They are extremely difficult to grow commercially. Most available supplies are wild harvested. Cauliflower mushrooms are a stalkless rosette of flat ribbonli...
Other Names
Hanabiratake (Japan)
Health Benefits & Nutrition
All wild foraged mushrooms should be washed and cooked THOROUGHLY before consumption. Try a small amount of every wild mushroom before eating a full portion in order to test your reaction, as individuals may react differently to each different variety. All wild foraged items are consumed at your own risk – so take caution.
In traditional Chinese medicine, cauliflower mushrooms are revered for their immune-boosting and antioxidant properties.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Foodservice Tips
Traditional Culinary Uses
Cauliflower mushrooms are a culinary treasure. They are prized in simple brothy soups or stews where their texture, like an al dente noodle, combines with their umami-packed flavor to create a stunning effect. They can also be used as a noodle substitute or addition to pasta dishes. The dense, chewy texture of the cauliflower mushroom can stand up to long cooking, but they are also delicious and pleasantly crisp in quick-cooking recipes like Japanese tempura. A large chunk can also be pan-fried into a crisp-tender mushroom steak or side dish. For a lighter dish, consider steaming the mushroom and featuring its unique texture. Remember that all wild mushrooms should be thoroughly cleaned and cooked before consumption.
Flavor Pairings
Lemon, Cabbage, Onion, Shallot, Potato, Garlic, Ginger, Parsley, Thyme, Oregano, Olive Oil, Wine, Soy Sauce, Ponzu, Rice, Cheese, Egg, Steak, Fish
How to Prepare
Inspect the base of the mushroom for brown spots or tunneling. Cut away any of these areas. Tear the larger pieces into small chunks or strips and gently swish in cold, clean water to remove any debris that may be stuck in the folds of the mushroom. The cauliflower mushroom does not readily absorb water, so focus on getting them clean – no need to worry about them getting soggy. Let dry on towels and mushrooms are ready to cook.
How to Store in the Kitchen
Store whole cauliflower mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator. Do not store in sealed bags or containers as condensation will lead to decay. Cleaned, prepped mushrooms can also be stored wrapped in a towel in a breathable container.
Fight Food Waste Tips for root to stem cooking
Cauliflower mushrooms can be pickled or dried (after being torn into small pieces) for later use!
Warehouse Storage & Handling
Maintain these conditions for optimal short-term storage shelf life.*
IDEAL STORAGE TEMP:
34-36°F
RECOMMENDED TEMP STORAGE ZONE:
32-39°F (Cold Storage)
SUBJECT TO CHILLING INJURY:
No
RELATIVE HUMIDITY:
90-98%
PRODUCES ETHYLENE:
No
SENSITIVE TO ETHYLENE:
No
Quality Assessment
Cauliflower mushrooms should be free from decay, slime, or excessive insect damage. Some debris is expected as this is a wild product.
Important Handling Notes
Cauliflower mushrooms are very delicate and can break easily. Be sure to handle with care to avoid any damage to the mushrooms.
Optimum Shelf Life
Depending on variety, conditions at harvest, and handling, cauliflower mushrooms may last up to 7-10 days.
