Sparassis (also known as cauliflower mushroom) is a genus of parasitic and saprobic mushrooms characterized by their unique shape and appearance. This appearance can be described as similar to a sea sponge, a brain, or ahead of cauliflower, from which it has been given its popular name.

They are increasingly cultivated and being sold in Korea, Japan, the United States, and Australia. The generic name comes from the Greek sparassein meaning to tear.

The best-known and most widely collected species of Sparassis are S. crispa (found in Europe and eastern North America) and S. radicata (found in western North America). These species have a very similar appearance and some authorities treat them as conspecific. Their color can range from light brown-yellow to yellow-grey or a creamy white cauliflower color. They are normally 10 to 25 cm tall, but can grow to be quite large, with reported cases of fruiting bodies more than half a meter tall and 14 kg in weight. Because of their unique look and size, they are unlikely to be mistaken for any poisonous/inedible mushrooms. They grow as parasites or saprobes on the roots or bases of various species of hardwoods, especially oak, and conifers, and hence are most commonly found growing close to fir, pine, oak or spruce trees.

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Cauliflower Fungus is parasitic on roots of conifers especially on dead and dying coniferous stumps and standing trees. It is infrequent in southern parts of Finland, Norway, and Sweden. It is especially cultivated in South-East Asia. Generally, it is shaped like an irregular sphere on a short stem. The color of the spores ranges from white to pale yellow. It grows in coniferous woods close to various different species. It is found throughout Europe and North America.

 

Cauliflower Fungus has the shape of a globe with diameter upto 61 cm. Individual lobes are white/yellow to lasagna noodles due to their flat and curly surface. The shape of the mushroom resembles the head of cauliflower. The spores can be white or yellow. The color of the flesh can range from ivory, pale yellow, to white and the texture of the folds are brittle and firm with a smooth side that releases spores into the air. Usually, it grows in forests at the base of coniferous tree stumps. It has a pleasant odor and has a mild taste.

Facts About Cauliflower Fungus

Fruiting body

It is 5-20 cm tall, 6-30 mm across, and can be even bigger or sometimes it could attain the weight of 6 kg. The overall shape is elliptical or irregularly spherical with a thick and fleshy base from which leafy branches grow or develop. The edges of the wavy or curled lobed leaves are toothed. They are whitish which becomes yellowish later and becomes orange-yellow to yellowish-brown when become old. The base of the stipe is black.

Flesh

The flesh is white, flexible, waxy with a pleasant smell and tastes nutty.

1. Disease prevention

In-vitro and in-vivo tests showed active components of Cauliflower Fungus with the potential of promoting anti-tumor activity in patients. The components intensify hematopoietic response and activate macrophage and dendritic cell function by preventing metastasis and angiogenesis at the same time. With other procedures, the patients suffering from lung, colon, breast, ovarian, stomach, prostate, and liver diseases exhibits marked improvement in quality of life scores after intake of mushroom over a period of 15 months.

2. Prevention of microbes

Cauliflower Fungus has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties which is effective against several anti-fungal agents which are resistant to anti-bacterial drugs. The chemicals inhibit the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA. The fungus extracts have shown high levels of possible resistors for HIV-1.

3. Skin health

Cauliflower Fungus increases the amount of synthesized collagen and decreases water loss in healthy humans.  It is noted for having the ability to inhibit melanin synthesis and delays darkening or tanning of the skin. People with skin asthma or allergies experienced reduction of inflammation and itching after mushroom intake. Moreover, it has a potential of promoting the wound healing abilities of diabetic patients.

4. Prevention of stroke

Cauliflower Fungus helps to delay or limit strokes or possibility of death in stroke prone tests. The active components present in mushroom helps to lower blood pressure and improve cerebrovascular endotheolialdys function for preventing strokes from occurring or progressing.

Traditional uses

• It is used to reduce allergies such as itching or inflammation
• It is helpful for people for healing wounds for those who suffer from diabetes.

Culinary uses

• Boil it before adding the mushrooms to the dish.
• It pairs well with rice, eggplant, asparagus, carrots, fresh sorrel, celery, thyme, parsley, oyster sauce, bay leaves, soy sauce, yellow onions, garlic, meats such as poultry, beef, prawns and russet potatoes.
• Add it to soups.

 

References

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