On the Hunt for Chagas

You might be a little more familiar with chaga mushrooms if you have read the previous articles. Some prefer to harvest it themselves, and others want to buy it online. Why not try a new experience and go on a hunt for these organisms. However, just like any other hunt, you must be patient. Read on to find out more about this mushroom scavenger.

Finding Chaga Mushrooms

In most cases, Chagas grow on birch trees in cold Northern climates. If you live in those climates or plan to go, then you can start your own chaga expedition. There is no such thing as ‘chaga forests’, it can live pretty much anywhere there are birches.

Chaga Appearance

This fungus is always black with a rough outer shell. From the inside, it’s a golden yellow-brown. It appears that way on the contact zone with the tree. The shapes can vary widely from cone, honk, horn, etc. It’s often confused with birch gnarl but they are very different in form.

Chaga Vs. Birch Gnarl

Both are similar in appearance, but they’re actually quite different. Birch gnarl is a tumor, not a mushroom. One is used as a drug, the other is used for making nice furniture because of the interesting wood.

Outside – From the outside, birch gnarl is smooth and it has the same colour as the tree. On the other hand, chaga is always black and crocheted.

Removing – Chaga is easy to remove by hand, axe or knife. Birch gnarl is part of the wood, which is attached very strongly. You can only remove it with a saw.

Inside – Chaga is golden yellow-brown from the inside – dry or wet, it’s the same. Birch gnarl has a wooden structure, it’s made out of wood.

 

Hopefully this mini guide helps your hunt. Don’t mistake the wood for Chagas, and make sure you stay on the right trail!

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