Do you want to know how to find hoof fungus (Fomes fomentarius) and how to use it?
You’ve definitely come to the right place!
Discover this complete article on tinder fungus!
Where Does Hoof Fungus Grow?
This mushroom grows directly on wood, and especially often on beech! It is possible to find it on other trees, but it is less common.
You can find this mushroom all year round.
If you are looking for this one at the same time as edible mushrooms (Porcini mushrooms, Chanterelles, Morels…), check out our Mushroom Maps.
These maps show where the best search areas are in your state.
What Does Tinder Fungus Look Like?
Tinder is a fungus that is very easy to identify.
It looks like a horse’s hoof and measures (in both width and length) about 10 inch.
The upper part of the Tinder Fungus is brown to gray in color and the side face has different overlapping layers.
It is very compact and quite difficult to detach from its support.
What Is Hoof Fungus (fomes Fomentarius) Used For?
Tinder Fungus, Hoof Fungus have been used since prehistoric times and still in our time to make fire in the context of bushcraft, for example.
Here are the important steps to properly use tinder fungus as a fire starter:
- Collect your mushroom and dry it: do not hesitate to cut it into smaller pieces to speed up its drying.
- Store your Tinder in a very dry compartment, before to use it.
- At the time of use, lightly scrape the surface of your tinder and place it near the sparks you produce with the method of your choice. (flint/pyrite/marcasite)
- This mushroom, in contact with the sparks, will ignite and can then be placed in a small fibrous nest so that the fire starts.
Can You Eat This Mushroom?
We do not recommend its consumption because it is not an interesting mushroom for cooking. Moreover, it is sometimes used for its medicinal benefits. However, there is no real evidence of its usefulness.
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