Chaga tinder fungus

[Woods Walker]

I've never found Chaga in parks or anywhere that Birches are few. What you are looking for is stands of Birch, the bigger the better. Bigger as in more trees and bigger as in larger trees.

The amount of Chaga you find on a 4" or less dia Birch isn't worth cutting the tree down for. So look for 8"+ dia trees. Yes, you almost always have to cut down a live tree to harvest Chaga. Also, Chaga is hard as a rock. Birch wood is soft. So cut it out of the tree n pack it out. Trim off the extra Birch wood at home.

I respectfully disagree with some of your post. I never needed to cut down a tree to harvest chaga. Here is some I pryed off a White birch using a long stick as it was out of reach. The stick is included within the photo.



This Chaga was removed using a hatchet with little harm to the tree. The Chaga on the other hand isn't good news for birch.

Chaga growing on a Yellow Birch - YouTube

I have found chaga on a single birch tree not within a large stand but agree more host trees will increase the chance. Chaga isn't always hard as a rock but can be woody. The best chaga is a softer yellowish growth. Chaga will have a hard black outer crust, softer yellowish inside and yes a hard darker brown component. Some can have greater amounts of hard/woody material. Just depends. This Chaga cut easy with a Mora 746.

[WoodsJack]

Can chaga be cultivated?

[Adahy]

Had a very generous forum friend send me 2 tinder fungus samples. Chaga should be added to everyone's fire kit if you can get you hands on it. I have to see about making some tea yet, but I know how to use it as a coal extender.

tinder fungus goodness - YouTube

Creek

Awesome video Creek! It's funny Matt and I just used it for tea but have never used it as a tinder.

[Woods Walker]

It's funny Matt and I just used it for tea but have never used it as a tinder.

Maybe try some with your F&S.

[sweeper54]

Found this on THREE trees today. I cleaned out 10 lbs of primo chaga and I still have the biggest piece to go.

[-Darkside-]

dang thats a lotta chaga!

[Woods Walker]

Nice pile-o-chaga. Aw shoot I gotta go chaga huntin' as getting low.

[piney]

Wow. I am having a tough time finding it in NJ.

[Woods Walker]

Can chaga be cultivated?

It only grows on a small % of trees even within it's preferred host species and has a life cycle measured in a few decades so going to say no but can't be 100% certain.

[Caburai]

Had a very generous forum friend send me 2 tinder fungus samples. Chaga should be added to everyone's fire kit if you can get you hands on it. I have to see about making some tea yet, but I know how to use it as a coal extender.

tinder fungus goodness - YouTube

Creek

I wish I had a friend like yours.
thanks
Caburai!