Mushrooms
This Saturday, we had the pleasure of meeting a mushroom expert who came to Helsbury to forage for some wild mushrooms in our woods. We learnt a lot about the wonders of mushrooms from the nutritional benefits to the ideal conditions for the plant to grow in. Whilst we didn’t find as much as we’d hoped (looking at slightly the wrong time) we learnt a lot and it was a brilliant experience.
The Mushroom Expert
Michael Truelove (@foragefishfood on Instagram) is a local “Forager-Fisherman-Hunter Gatherer” who has become a master of the mushroom. He and another forager, Sara, who’s knowledge as a chef made her the perfect company in this mushroom mission, led us on a 3 hour search for the perfect mushrooms. Unfortunately, we seemed to be too late for some and too early for others, making the trip slightly underwhelming. However, we will return in the weeks to come, with the experts believing our woods are the perfect conditions for mushrooms.
Wild Mushroom Recipe Ideas
To be clear, unless you or someone with you is an expert in wild mushrooms and can be certain that what you have foraged is safe, please do not eat mushrooms that you find in the wild. It is important that you put your safety first so unless you are certain you know what you are eating, please do not eat it. With that said, here are some ideas of what you could cook with mushrooms, whether you foraged them or bought them.
Chicken of the Woods
Chicken of the Woods was a mushroom we had hoped to find which grows on living or decaying hardwood trees like oak or chestnut. It contains fibre, protein and B vitamins is lower in calories and carbohydrates than other common mushrooms making it a perfect healthy option. It could also be used as a meat substitute for veggie or vegan recipes. For example, breaded and fried chicken of the woods could be a perfect substitute for, well, chicken.
Chanterelles
Chanterelles grow in groupings on the forest floor, usually in association with specific tree types, like beech or birch. They typically grow between May and November and are fairly common. The False Chanterelle is a similar looking mushroom, however, it can cause food poisoning. To reiterate, do not eat a mushroom you forage unless you are 100% sure it is safe. Chanterelles are valued for their flavour and are delicious in dishes like pasta sauces or soups. They typically have a sweet taste and can have a fruity smell.
Mushrooms have a great nutritional value, as one of the experts informed me, they are one of the only plant based options that contains all essential amino acids that we usually get from meat. As a veggie or a vegan, they can be a great nutritional alternative to meat for this reason. She suggested that if you don’t typically love mushrooms, blend them into sauces or soups so you still reap these nutritional benefits without too much of the texture or flavour.
Helsbury Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a fascinating and enchanting species. The variation in their appearances is spectacular, there is something magical about them. Whilst we may not have found many edible ones at Helsbury, we did see some beautiful ones. Next time you are walking around Helsbury woods, keep an eye out for these gorgeous fungi as they truly are mystical and don’t get enough appreciation.
Post pictures of the mushrooms you find at Helsbury and tag us @helsburypark.