Shaggy Mane/Lawyer’s Wig Mushroom

Wild Edible — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:05:18 +0000

Wild Shaggy Mane Mushroom

The wild Shaggy Mane or Lawyer’s Wig mushroom has a cap that is so distinctive and large that it can be easily identified with a little practice. A freshly harvested wild Shaggy Mane mushroom has a cap that is long, white, and cylindrical, with upturned, brownish scales, and whitish gills. Another distinguishing feature of the wild Shaggy Mane mushroom is the ease in which it is crumbled.

Typically found scattered in pastures, growing in soil or wood chips, wood lots and lawns, the wild edible Shaggy Mane mushroom is best harvested in the spring, summer and fall. The largest of a group of wild edible mushrooms called “inky caps”, the Shaggy Mane mushroom is best picked before the caps begin to turn black.

Until you become familiar with identifing this wild edible mushroom, be sure of your identification by checking for the developing ink.

The wild Shaggy Manes mushroom is delicate and should be picked young and eaten the same day. One great way to enjoy the flavor of the wild edible Shaggy Mane mushroom is to saute it in butter and season with nutmeg or garlic. It is also really good in scrambled eggs or chicken dishes.

Puffball Mushrooms

Wild Edible — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:27:04 +0000

Wild Puffball Mushroom

The wild edible mushroom called the Puffball is round or pear-shaped and might or might not have a stalk-like base, and are typically gray, whitish, or tan. The interior of a puffball is solid white initially, gradually turning yellow, then brown as the mushroom gets more mature. Finally, the interior changes to a mass of dark, powdery spores, Size: 1″ to 12″ in diameter, sometimes larger.

The best time to harvest wild edible Puffball mushrooms is in the late summer and early fall. They are most often found in open woods, on soil or decaying wood, pastures, empty lots, or even on your lawn.

Puffball Mushroom Interior

It is important to slice the wild Puffball mushroom from top to bottom in order to inspect the interior of the mushroom. Much like a slice of white bread, it should be completely white and featureless inside. Any traces of brown or yellow will spoil the flavor.

If complete inspection of the Puffball mushroom reveals a stalk, gills when you examine the interior, and a cap, you might have the wrong type of mushroom. If you are not absolutely certain of the identity of the mushroom, do not eat it.

One great way to eat the wild edible Puffball mushroom is to simply dip it in batter and fry it, after removing the tough outer skin.

Outdoor Edibles » Mushroom/Fungi

Shaggy Mane/Lawyer’s Wig Mushroom

Puffball Mushrooms