Chicken of the woods, also known as Laetiporus or sulphureus, is a delicious edible mushroom that grows on trees. It is bright orange or yellow in color and has a texture similar to chicken breast, which is how it got its name. Chicken of the woods is prized by mushroom foragers and consumers for its unique flavor and texture, but how expensive is it really?
What factors affect the price of chicken of the woods?
There are a few key factors that impact the price of chicken of the woods mushrooms:
- Availability – Chicken of the woods grows wild on trees and is not commercially cultivated, so finding fresh specimens relies on foraging. When supplies are low due to weather or harvesting conditions, prices tend to be higher.
- Season – Chicken of the woods is most abundant in the spring, summer, and fall. In the colder winter months, it becomes scarce and more expensive.
- Location – Prices vary based on geographic location and the effort required to forage and transport the mushrooms to buyers.
- Quality – Larger, fresher, and better quality chicken of the woods command higher prices than older or bug-damaged specimens.
Typical pricing at grocery stores and markets
When you can find chicken of the woods mushrooms at grocery stores or markets, typical retail pricing is:
- $15 to $25 per pound – This tends to be the range at most grocery stores, specialty markets, and farmers markets, with prices fluctuating based on season and availability.
- $50+ per pound for dried – Dried chicken of the woods is rarer and commands prices over $50 per pound, since the drying process concentrates the flavor and preserves the mushrooms.
Grocery store/market pricing examples
Here are some real examples of chicken of the woods pricing at retail locations:
| Location | Price |
|---|---|
| Whole Foods (Palo Alto, CA) | $18/lb |
| Earth Fare Grocery (Asheville, NC) | $25/lb |
| Union Square Farmer’s Market (NYC) | $12/lb |
Prices from foragers and online sellers
Buying directly from foragers or specialty online mushroom sellers can provide lower prices, but with tradeoffs on convenience and consistency of supply:
- Foragers – $10 to $15 per lb is typical when buying directly from a local mushroom forager.
- Online sellers – Expect to pay $15 to $30 per lb including shipping when purchasing online.
Direct pricing examples
| Seller | Price |
|---|---|
| Local forager (NH) | $12/lb |
| Online (Mushroom Central) | $18/lb shipped |
| Etsy vendor (PA) | $25/lb + $15 shipping |
Factors impacting the price you’ll pay
As a buyer, the price you end up paying can vary greatly. Key factors include:
- Where you buy – Foraging yourself can yield mushrooms at no cost. Buying from a forager is cheapest, then local stores, with online sources being most expensive.
- When you buy – Peak season (spring/summer/fall) provides lowest cost. Prices climb in the winter.
- Quality – The better the condition and freshness, the higher the price per pound.
- Supply and demand – When chicken of the woods is abundant, expect lower prices. When scarce due to environmental conditions, prices will rise.
Saving money on chicken of the woods
Here are some tips for getting the best deal:
- Buy in season – Shop for it in spring, summer and fall.
- Buy from foragers – Check farmers markets, Facebook groups, or forage yourself.
- Buy bulk – Check online sellers for better bulk pricing, and freeze extras.
- Negotiate deals – Be open to negotiate with foragers or stores for volume discounts.
Is chicken of the woods worth the price?
For most consumers, the unique taste and texture of chicken of the woods makes it worth paying a premium price. When buying from specialty stores, prices are comparable to other gourmet mushrooms like morels or chanterelles. Online or direct from foragers provides more affordable pricing.
Considering the high demand and seasonal availability of this mushroom, the market prices are well supported. For those willing to put in effort foraging, chicken of the woods can be harvested at peak season for free!
Conclusion
In summary, expect to pay retail prices of $15 to $25 per pound for chicken of the woods, with prices varying based on location, season, supply levels and condition. Foragers may offer better deals from $10 to $15 per pound. Online specialty mushroom sellers offer convenience but typically charge higher prices in the $15 to $30 per pound range including shipping. With some effort focused on buying direct, in bulk, in season and negotiating, you can get this gourmet wild mushroom at the best possible price.