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Bear's head tooth

Hericium americanum

A species of monkey's head

The bear's head tooth is a white fungus that is often described as having a "shaggy" or mop-like appearance. It gets its common name from the appendages it grows, which resemble long teeth. The fungus is native to North America and grows on both living and rotting hardwood trees.

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Bear's head tooth

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Attributes of Bear's head tooth

Flesh

White

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

White

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic, Parasitic

Substrate

Dead Woods, Wood of Living Trees

You can find Bear's head tooth by these plants:

Coast live oak

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Rare

Endangered Species

How to Identify Bear's head tooth

Fruiting Body Habit & Habitat

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Habitat of Bear's head tooth

The bear's head tooth grows in woods and wooded areas. It forms its fruitbody on dead or living deciduous trees, usually growing on stumps, logs, or from the wound of an injured tree.

Uses of Bear's head tooth

Bear's head tooth is a prized edible mushroom, sought after for its culinary versatility and unique flavor. It is popular in gourmet cooking, often used in soups, stir-fries, and as a meat substitute due to its texture. Harvested seasonally, bear's head tooth holds significant collection value among foragers. While it's generally safe to eat, consumers should ensure proper identification to avoid confusion with look-alikes. Always cook bear's head tooth thoroughly before consumption.

Scientific Classification of Bear's head tooth

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Russulales

Family

Tooth fungi

Genus

monkey's head

Toxicity and Edibility of Bear's head tooth

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Edibility of Bear's head tooth

The bear's head tooth is reported to be an edible mushroom, but only after it is thoroughly cooked. It is said that properly cooked bear's head tooth has the same taste as fresh-cooked lobster. It should be harvested while young, and it needs to be consumed quickly after picking or they will spoil and become bitter.

Similar Species to Bear's head tooth

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Tips for Finding Bear's head tooth

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When is the Best Time to Find Bear's head tooth

Search for bear's head tooth from late summer to fall, when the weather starts to cool. After periods of rain followed by a return to warmer days, the chances to find bear's head tooth increase significantly.

What are Some Tips for Finding Bear's head tooth

Search around fallen hardwood trees, especially where there are visible stumps or dead logs.
Inspect wounds on living hardwood trees, as bear's head tooth can fruit from these areas.
Investigate any piles of hardwood branches, as these can create a suitable habitat for bear's head tooth.
For conifer forests, although rare, look for bear's head tooth on dead or decaying conifer wood.
Be observant for the distinctive tooth-like fungi structure of bear's head tooth in appropriate hardwood habitats.

How to Clean and Preserve Bear's head tooth

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How to Clean Bear's head tooth

To clean bear's head tooth, gently shake off any debris and use a soft brush to remove particles from its intricate spines. Avoid vigorous scrubbing to maintain integrity, as water can cause bear's head tooth to become soggy. Remove any insects by hand. Cut base to detach in one piece.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Bear's head tooth

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in a cool, dry place with low humidity and away from direct sunlight; airtight containers are ideal.

Dehydrator drying: Preserves texture and nutritional properties effectively for high-moisture content mushrooms.

Oven drying: Convenient and consistent results at a controlled low temperature, suitable for thicker varieties.

Air drying: Natural, slow process ideal for less humid climates, maintaining a more natural appearance.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Bear's head tooth

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Slowly heat in boiling water, then cool rapidly and freeze to preserve texture.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Bear's head tooth

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Plastic Wrap Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Container with Absorbent Lining

Temperature

0 - 3 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

85 - 90 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 10 days

Paper Bag Storage: Place mushrooms in a paper bag to allow moisture absorption and air circulation, preventing spoilage from excess humidity.

Plastic Wrap Storage: Loosely wrap mushrooms in plastic, puncture holes for airflow, and appropriate moisture retention.

Cloth Wrapping: After initial cleaning, dry mushrooms with a clean cloth and store them inside that same breathable cloth in the fridge.

Container with Absorbent Lining: Place paper towels inside Tupperware, arrange mushrooms single-layered, cover with more paper towels to absorb moisture.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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