I Brake For Mushrooms!

[coffeemama]

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If you take a class, you will be able to pick out the good from the bad no problem. There are some superb mycology courses and classes offered in our area

 

[menageriemama]

I agree with coffeegirl. The best way to learn about foraging is to go out in the woods with an expert

. What a fun way to spend a day!!! I come from a family of hunter/foragers, so I grew up with wild mushrooms on the table. Our local slow food group had a big dinner and presentation about edible fungi, and that was a really fun and informative night. Maybe you could contact your local slow foodies and see if any of them could take you out collecting?

Oh yes, and they are oyster mushrooms. A couple of years ago we had a HUGE chicken of the woods spring up on a tree by our house. It was this crazy deep orange color, but very tasty. Wish I had some luck with chanterelles around here, but alas, not yet. Hey, if any of you have shroom pics, post them!! I love looking at 'em!!

 

[greyfields]

I have been looking and looking. I'm along the Columbia between Astoria and Portland... but the nearest society is in Portland. We get 80" of rain here and woods are just filled with them. It's a resource which I really want to exploit, but I'm afraid to take the first step!

I got to eat wild ceps (same thing as the Porcini) in England and it was the best flavor I had ever had hte pleasure of tasting.

 

[gamebirdsonly]

All I can say is YUK!!

 

[spook]

My DH found a few Morel (sp) mushrooms in our yard last year, after the uncles drooled over the pics telling what to do to clean, cook and serve them. So this year, DH waited the winter out, found 3 mushrooms, washed and cleaned the grit out of them, sauteed them in real butter, made an fluffy fresh omlet inserted dear mushrooms.
Enjoyed them beyond words, me, I sat and watched the process, should have taken pics, lol.
Well, we went out behind where we store the pool items in the large tote, and he found 8 more mushrooms layed over dead. So, he is thinking good thoughts about next spring!
Enjoy the mushrooms, and learn them from an educated person, not all mushrooms are safe (as you adults know).

 

[menageriemama]

Grey it sounds like you have the "mushroom maddness"! When I see or smell a wild shroom, my eyes sort of glaze over and I get all giddy and weird. They really are the most wonderful food on the planet. *sigh* , now I need to go out and find some more!! Go for it, and take that first step. You live in fungi paradise!!! It would be wrong not to!!

 

[spook]

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To find folks that have this knowledge is go to the organics store or even metaphysical society or store, they may have one. I know a couple here in Maine -a friend is learning how to eat and work medicine with these herbs that are local in our land. Its awsome for everyone to do, I don't think I could pick it wild and eat it! ugh...I have had a reaction to an herbal tea once and it slowed my trying things for the fun of it....not a pretty reaction.

 

[menageriemama]

Spook, I hadnt thought of trying the health food/metaphysical stores, great idea! Also, that is a good point about using caution when trying something new. I feel very lucky to not have food allergies or any sensitivities like that, but everyone is different, so it is good to be careful

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