Hen-of-the-woods (Noun)
Meaning
Large greyish-brown edible fungus forming a mass of overlapping caps that somewhat resembles a hen at the base of trees.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The hen-of-the-woods fungus grows in clusters at the base of oak trees and is prized for its rich, earthy flavor.
- Foragers often seek out the hen-of-the-woods in late summer and early fall, when it is most abundant.
- The chef carefully sautéed the hen-of-the-woods mushrooms with garlic and thyme to bring out their unique flavor.
- In Japan, the hen-of-the-woods is known as maitake and is considered a delicacy, often served in soups and stews.
- The forest floor was carpeted with a thick layer of fallen leaves, but the hen-of-the-woods fungus stood out, its greyish-brown caps a stark contrast to the surroundings.