Chaga
FamilyHymenochaetaceae
EdibilityMedicinal
HabitatBirch trees
SeasonYear-round
About the Chaga
A sterile conk growing on birch trees in cold climates. Not technically a mushroom fruiting body but a mass of mycelium. Extremely high in antioxidants - ORAC score of 52,000 (blueberries are 2,400). Used in Russian and Scandinavian folk medicine for centuries. Must be extracted in hot water or alcohol to access nutrients. Harvesting does not kill the host tree if done correctly.
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