The First Edible Mushrooms Of The Season!

[Yeti]

Well what a nice surprise - I went out to a few fields where I know them to have grown before, and what should I find but the first St. George's Mushrooms!

These are generally the first edible mushrooms of the season, unless you are lucky enough to find the elusive morel which can grow a bit earlier, but they always, always appear within about a week either side of St George's Day (hence their name). More than that, though, they are absolute top-notch mushrooms, up there with the chanterelles, with a delicious texture and flavour. Here is what I found today

They were just beginning to pop up so I just picked the big ones - in 2 or 3 days' time the fields will literally be full. They grow often in huge rings, are white with a brown-shaded cap towards the middle, and have a very mealy smell (which disappears with cooking). The gills are white. Bear in mind that because of the time of year, these are some of the only mushrooms about, and I couldn't imagine being able to mix them up with anything nasty.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calocybe_gambosa

They grow on unimproved grassland, and often you can see rings in the grass on the fields - brown in the middle and a green ring around this - have a look out because often you can keep your eye on such a spot and wait until mushrooms appear! And remember, don't tell anyone where you found them...

There is literally a feast near you - don't miss out! They will be gone in 2 weeks. PM me if you need more info on this or any other mushroom :lol:

Regards,

David

[Azores Hi]

Nice to find a fellow forager!

I have yet to find the elusive St George but you have inspired me to look this weekend.

Also in season this month (not mushrooms but good in a salad) Jack by the hedge

And Ransoms (wild Garlic)

[Anti-Mild]

I too came across wild garlic on a walk today, although not yet in flower, and a whole load of wood sorrell.

[Yeti]

Wild Garlic indeed! It's just perfect at the minute. Try using it instead of basil in a pesto; very refreshing

And of course less than two months now until the arrival of the field mushroom, parasols and all the summer grassland species

Great to see some other pickers out there!

[Yeti]

Well the St. George's Mushrooms are well and truly out now. Last week I found 2kg and today in the Dales, and completely by surprise, an immense amount!!! I have far too many, so if anyone lives nearby and wants a few then let me know :o