Cauliflower mushrooms are a rare treat!
These fungi grow at the base of dying hardwood trees, and look a lot like their namesake.
Cauliflower has a strong earthy smell, but more subtle flavour. The chewy/firm texture resembles egg noodles, and it can easily stand in for them in a casserole, stew or stir-fry.
Because of the frilly nature of this mushroom - it can be tricky to clean to remove any pine needles or forest floor from it. The easiest way to clean a cauliflower mushroom is to slice or tear it into small pieces and soak them in a large bowl of salted water. Agitate the water to get any dirt or insects out of the mushroom, and allow them to dry on clean cloth before cooking.
As with all wild mushrooms - do not eat raw, and enjoy in moderation!
