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Witch’s Butter Fungus

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witches butter on hardwood

What is Witch’s Butter?

In the enchanting realm of fungi, few organisms captivate the imagination quite like witch’s butter fungus. With its vibrant yellow-orange hue and jelly-like appearance, this mushroom has long been associated with folklore, medicine, and culinary intrigue.

Witch’s butter typically thrives on dead or decaying wood, especially on fallen branches and logs. Its distinctive appearance, resembling a blob of jelly or butter, makes it easily recognizable to curious nature enthusiasts and seasoned foragers alike.

Is it safe to eat?

Witch’s butter is safe to eat, although by itself some people have a hard time with the unsettling texture. Quite unlike almost all other fungi, it is actually safe and quite common to be eaten without cooking it first. It doesn’t have any distinguishable flavor to it, but there are ways to use that fact to your advantage. More on that in a bit. Of course, always first eat a small amount of any new food to check for an allergic reaction.

How do I know I’ve found witch’s butter?

So long as you stick to the bright orange variety of jelly fungus, there are no nefarious look-alikes to witch’s butter to be concerned about when you are foraging. That being said, to some people’s surprise, the name “Witch’s butter” actually refers to a group of mushrooms rather than one particular species. Some of these species include:

Tremella mesenterica: This species has a bright orange-yellow to orang-yellow color and gelatinous texture. It is commonly found growing on decaying deciduous wood in temperate regions, and is “brain-like” in appearance.

Tremella aurantia: Closely related to Tremella mesenterica, this species shares very similar characteristics, including its bright orange-yellow color and gelatinous texture. It is generally a bit darker than T. mesenterica, soemtimes appearing orange-red in color. It is commonly found growing on decaying hardwood (like oak) and is more lobed, irregular, and often resembles leafy or ear-like structures.

Dacrymyces palmatus: Sometimes referred to as orange jelly fungus or witch’s butter, this species has a gelatinous, orange to orange-red fruiting body. It is the only variety of orange jelly fungus found growing on coniferous wood. It is widespread in North America and Europe.

Exidia glandulosa: Also known as black witch’s butter or warty jelly fungus, this species differs from Tremella mesenterica in appearance, typically being darker in color with a more irregular, wart-like surface. It is often found on dead branches and twigs in damp forests. While these species may share common names with Tremella mesenterica, they belong to different genera and may have distinct ecological preferences and characteristics. WARNING: I have NOT been able to find any evidence of this variety being safe to consume! So just enjoy the beautifully whacky view, and leave it be.

When is witches butter found?

Unlike purple dead nettles and many other plants that can only be found during certain times of year, these fungi manage to pop up at all times of the year, which is why many refer to it as a survival food!

witches butter group on stick

Cooking with Witch’s Butter

My personal favorite way to use witch’s butter is in the form of candy! They make an absolutely delightful gummy candy when properly prepared. The most fun about it is the amount of different flavors you can infuse into them. The sky is the limit!

In traditional Chinese cuisine, witch’s butter is prized for its delicate texture and mild flavor. Often used in soups, stews, and desserts, it adds a unique touch to dishes, elevating both taste and visual appeal.

Some adventurous chefs around the world have also experimented with incorporating witch’s butter into modern recipes, infusing it into sauces, spreads, and even garnishing cocktails as a kooky twist. This is seriously such a cool idea for Halloween!

When harvesting witch’s butter, do this.

When you collect witches butter for consumption, I have found that carrying them in a plastic bag is the best way to transport them home. It is a good thing to keep extra debris from mixing with them in order to make the rinsing process much more efficient.

I also found that you can keep these mushrooms in the fridge, inside of a sealed ziplock, for at least a couple of weeks. This is assuming they were in a good condition when you gathered them and you were able to rinse off any bugs that may have been hiding in a crevices.

Witch’s butter rehydrates quite well is my experience, so dehydrating them and saving them for a future recipe is a viable option as well.

witches butter in dehydrator
witches butter candy

Medicinal Properties

In traditional herbal medicine, witch’s butter has been revered for its properties. It has been suggested to be immunostimulating, protective against radiation, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, hypocholesterolemic, hepatoprotective, and to have antiallergic effects.

While scientific research on the medicinal benefits of witch’s butter is ongoing, anecdotal evidence and cultural practices continue to underscore its potential in promoting overall health and well-being.

Here are links to a select few scientific journals on the medicinal properties of Tremella mesenterica:

The structure of the glucuronoxylomannan produced by culinary-medicinal yellow brain mushroom (Tremella mesenterica Ritz.:Fr., Heterobasidiomycetes) grown as one cell biomass in submerged culture

The Isolation, Structure, and Applications of the Exocellular Heteropolysaccharide Glucuronoxylomannan Produced by Yellow Brain Mushroom Tremella mesenterica Ritz.:Fr. (Heterobasidiomycetes) 

Medicinal Value of the Genus Tremella Pers. (Heterobasidiomycetes)

Ecological Importance

As a decomposer, witch’s butter plays a vital role in ecosystem functioning by breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the soil. Their presence contributes to the health and balance of forest ecosystems, fostering biodiversity and sustaining life for countless organisms. These benefits, of course, may be applied to all fungus in general. They truly are incredible organisms, and well deserving of their own taxonomic kingdom.

witches butter on standing tree

Art and Aesthetics:

Beyond its practical uses, witch’s butter inspires artists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts with its vibrant colors and intriguing textures. From whimsical illustrations to stunning macrophotography, it serves as a muse for creative expression and appreciation of the natural world. I’ve even seen people freeze dry them, and then coat them in resin to preserve them as a creative piece of jewelry! I, for one, am certainly struck by how vibrant they are any time I happen across them on a walk!

Spirituality

While witch’s butter may seem mysterious and magical, it is ultimately a manifestation of the intricate beauty and resilience of the natural world. As we explore its uses and marvel at its wonders, let us cultivate a deeper respect and reverence for the interconnected web of life that sustains us all.

In contemporary spiritual practices, Witches’ Butter is often embraced by those who follow nature-based or pagan paths. Its association with transformation makes it a powerful symbol for personal growth, shadow work, and embracing change. Additionally, its protective qualities are still revered by those who seek to create a safe and positive environment in their spiritual and everyday lives. Pair witches butter with some stinging nettle for extra protection.

witchs butter on log

What an incredible fungus!

In conclusion, witch’s butter fungus transcends its mystical associations to offer a fascinating glimpse into this combination of science, culture, and ecology. Whether enjoyed as a culinary delicacy, explored for its medicinal potential, or admired for its aesthetic allure, it reminds us of the boundless wonders waiting to be discovered in the realm of fungi. So, the next time you encounter this curious organism on your woodland wanderings, it will no longer be a stranger to you. Admire it’s beauty, or harvest some to add to your artistic and culinary adventures!

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