Beefsteak or Ox-Tongue Fungus

Fistulina hepatica It grows on oak trees, especially very old oaks, usually close to the ground and is found in late summer or autumn. Make sure you have fresh specimens that have not gone woody. The fungus will tend to exude a reddish juice which helps make the sauce delicious when it is cooked. The fungus is highly thought of as an esculent on the Continent but in Britain it is little used, mistakenly, I think.