Polyporus Umbellatus

The Polyporus prefers warmer regions, but is also native in European beech and oak woods. There he grows from June to October in dense clusters on the ground, mostly near tree trunks or stumps. Often a tuft contains hundreds of fruiting bodies, which all come from a common strung and may weigh up to 20 kg. The individual hats are small, roundish, 2 to 5 cm wide and light brown in colour. The flesh of the young umbrella polyphore is soft, mild, of slightly sweet taste and has a pleasant odor. It has so far already conquered local cuisine. With increasing age, the polypore gets however tougher and its odour more unpleasant. This is why you should eat it fresh or as dried powder or extract.

The dry substance of the polyphore contains just 8.0 per cent crude protein, more than 45 per cent of fibre, only small amounts of carbohydrates (0.5 per cent), above 6 per cent minerals and biotin, ergosterol (vitamin D precursor) and polysaccharides.