Ice eggs, or ice balls, are a rare natural phenomenon caused when small pieces of ice are rolled over by wind and currents in freezing conditions and grow into spheres of ice. This phenomenon is currently observable at Woodbine Beach. Spheres are mostly orange-sized, with some larger ones that are as big as basketballs. More info: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_eggs#%3A%7E%3Atext=Ice+eggs%2C+or+ice+balls%2Cpack+together+in+striking+patterns
This one was so large that we had to cut it into smaller pieces so it would dry properly. I use it to make a hot beverage similar to coffee. It has a flavour and aroma which is rich and earthy and woody and relatively mild. Chaga has medicinal properties: antioxidant & anti-inflammatory, used for both heart and brain health, and may have anti-cancer potential to inhibit tumor growth.
The property owner told me he had found some chaga in a grove of birches. I asked him to show me, so we went for a short hike. This one was the largest and was about 4' off the ground. We harvested it and shared it among friends. !Harvested chaga
