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Witches' butter

Tremella mesenterica

A species of Tremella, Also known as Yellow brain fungus, Golden jelly fungus

Witches' butter (Tremella mesenterica) has an irregularly-shaped fruitbody that can be found growing on dead hardwood branches. It has a global distribution, being found in both temperate and tropical forests. Usually yellow in color, its hues may range from subdued lemon to bright canary.

Cap Diameter:

2 - 5 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Witches' butter

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Attributes of Witches' butter

Cap Diameter

2 - 5 cm

Height

1 - 5 cm

Cap

2 - 5 cm across; bright yellow or orangish yellow; bald, moist

Flesh

Gelatinous; yellow

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Yellow

Orange

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Gregarious, Clustered

Nutrient Gathering

Parasitic

Substrate

Dead Woods

You can find Witches' butter by these plants:

Oaks, Willows

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland, Scrublands

Species Status

Widely distributed in North America

Endangered Species

How to Identify Witches' butter

Fruiting Body Habit & Habitat

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Habitat of Witches' butter

The witches' butter appears in woods and wooded areas, and it's mostly associated with deciduous trees. It grows on decaying wood such as fallen logs and branches, parasitizing on the crust of the Peniophora species.

Distribution Area of Witches' butter

North America,Europe,Africa,Central and South America,Antarctic islands,Asia,Australia

Uses of Witches' butter

Witches' butter is an edible mushroom valued for its jelly-like texture and potential medicinal properties. It's often used in traditional Asian cuisine, particularly in desserts and soups for its unique consistency. While not the most popular forage, witches' butter's collection peaks in wetter seasons. Care should be taken to correctly identify witches' butter due to its resemblance to less edible species.

Scientific Classification of Witches' butter

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Toxicity and Edibility of Witches' butter

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Edibility of Witches' butter

Witches' butter does not have any smell or flavor, but will add its distinctive jelly texture to food. This mushroom is only edible when it is cooked (boiled or steamed), and it can thicken soups. There are several similar species that are commonly called "Witches' butter," so be certain you know what you have.

Similar Species to Witches' butter

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Tips for Finding Witches' butter

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When is the Best Time to Find Witches' butter

Search for witches' butter after rainy or wet weather, as moisture causes them to swell and become more visible. They thrive during mild winter to spring months, but can also be found throughout the year if conditions are damp.

What are Some Tips for Finding Witches' butter

Inspect fallen hardwood branches, particularly from oaks, birches, and hazels.
Look for witches' butter on logs where the bark is still attached, as they tend to prefer such substrates.
Search for witches' butter's host fungi, Peniophora species, on decaying wood to increase the likelihood of finding witches' butter.
Explore areas with abundant decaying gorse wood, which can host both Peniophora and witches' butter.
Remember that witches' butter is often inconspicuous, so carefully examining potential habitats may reveal its presence.

How to Clean and Preserve Witches' butter

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How to Clean Witches' butter

To clean witches' butter, briskly rinse under cold running water with a soft brush if necessary to remove debris. Avoid soaking as witches' butter can become waterlogged. Instead, use a quick shower to prevent excess moisture absorption and pat dry gently after rinsing.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Witches' butter

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in airtight containers, in cool, dark, low-humidity environment to prevent reabsorption of moisture.

Dehydrator drying: Effective for high-water-content species, ensuring consistent temperature and airflow.

Oven drying: Set at low temperature with door slightly open for circulation, suitable for gentle drying.

Air drying: Natural method, good for delicate varieties, requires warm, dry, well-ventilated area.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Witches' butter

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Blanch for 1-2 minutes, cool quickly, drain, pack in airtight container.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Witches' butter

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Plastic Wrap Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Ventilated Container Storage

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

85 - 90 %

Refrigerating Duration

7 - 10 days

Paper Bag Storage: Place mushrooms in paper bags to allow moisture absorption and air circulation. This prevents spoilage from moisture.

Plastic Wrap Storage: Wrap mushrooms in plastic with holes to prevent moisture buildup while retaining some humidity.

Cloth Wrapping: Store mushrooms in a container lined with a damp cloth to maintain humidity without direct moisture contact.

Ventilated Container Storage: Use a clean glass container for storage to help maintain a stable humidity level and protect from contaminants.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Witches' butter

Orange jelly

Dacrymyces chrysospermus

Golden ear

Tremella aurantia