This common polypore is frequently encountered by morel hunters in the spring, who find it growing on hardwood stumps, logs, and standing trees. The young ones are much more tender. I’ll be the first to admit I get more giddy finding just one morel than a whole tree covered in Dryad’s saddle, but I do enjoy this polypore’s pungent lemon cucumber aroma and delicate woodsy flavor. The first issue is tenderness. May 9, 2008 #1 . The test I use is to try to use my thumb nail to puncture its skin. Dryad’s Saddle/ Pheasant back mushroom – Polyporus squamosus. I’ll be the first to admit I get more giddy finding just one morel than a whole tree covered in Dryad’s saddle, but I do enjoy this polypore’s … Dryad’s saddle is a common site on hardwood logs throughout May and June, and it is often ignored or maligned as an edible. Dryad's Saddle Duxelles. It has been much maligned as an edible of little value but I beg to differ. Messages: 681 Likes Received: 9 Location: Algonac, St clair River. . You're thinking "what the heck is a dryad?" I dont think it can be OMG thats good but it can be ok. This preserve I made specifically for the dryad saddles, which require a little different treatment than your average polypore, but nothing too crazy. This mushroom is commonly attached to dead logs or stumps at one point with a thick stem. Cerioporus squamosus aka Polyporus squamosus is a basidiomycete bracket fungus, with common names including dryad's saddle and pheasant's back mushroom. hunter143. It … Someone with an overactive imagination decided that Polyporus squamosus looked like a saddle that one of these tree-dwelling nymphs would sit on. by Michael Kuo. This way it will be succulent and tasty, instead of chewing a piece of Dryad’s saddle … 2 lbs of roughly chopped dryad's saddle mushrooms, pores and tough stems removed . Dryad's Saddle Pheasant Back Mushroom, Hawks Wing (Polyporus squamosus) When spring comes around and I can't find morels, I am always glad to find some dryad's saddle to take home. . Dryad saddle can be ok. Dryad’s Saddle (scientific name Cerioporus squamosus, aka Polyporus squamosus), also known as “pheasant’s back” is a polypore mushroom in the broad sense of the term.It’s not considered strictly a polypore because it is atypical since it has an annual fruiting body instead of … It is a polypore and a mature specimen can easily be used to dig your way out of prison, they are that tough. Dryads Saddle-Polyporus Squamosus Discussion in 'MichiganMushrooms.com' started by hunter143, May 9, 2008. It has a widespread distribution, being found in North America, Australia, Asia, and Europe, where it causes a white rot in the heartwood of living and dead hardwood trees. It’s basically just a mushroom duxelles recipe with some tweaks here and there to ensure an end result that people who aren’t familiar with dryad saddles will like. Dryad’s saddle is a common site on hardwood logs throughout May and June, and it is often ignored or maligned as an edible. 4 TBS to 1/4 cup oil (I normally use olive oil) 1/2 cup dry sherry, white wine or … The body can be yellow to brown and has “squamules” or scales on its upper side. Polyporus squamosus [ Basidiomycota > Polyporales > Polyporaceae > Polyporus . Dryad's Saddle is a little more complicated. Well in Greek mythology a dryad is a tree-dwelling nymph, also known as a tree sprite. Only young Dryad’s saddles (smaller than the size of your hand) should be collected, sliced, and cooking should be done very quickly over a high heat in some salted butter: about two minutes is enough. 2-3 shallots (or, if you find them, use 3-4 finely chopped ramps, red or white parts only) 2 TBS butter . 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