November Rain brings the Field and Horse Mushrooms
Well, there’s been some heavy weather this month. Not so good for some of the country with dire floods and really dangerous conditions. In my home town, Blaby, Leicester it’s been heavy rain and wind but fortunately with no unfortunate consequences.
Only a few days ago though, this rain has promoted the popping up of many, and I mean many Field and Horse Mushrooms.
I actually didn’t go out mushroom hunting for these (hence the weather being too blustery). They were in a field right next door to my father-in-law’s house. So, while out walking the dogs he harvested the goods. Half of which he gave to me.
Somewhat unnerving though was his attitude to mushroom picking on the off chance. “They looked OK, They’re alright, we’ll eat them tonight!”. Now I’m sure he probably knows from experience which ones ‘look’ OK, but I had to check. Fortunately they were brilliantly large and tasty Horse mushrooms (Agaricus arvensis) and Field mushrooms (Argaricus campestris). Very nice. But I hope he doesn’t go to the woods grabbing everything he sees for his pot. I’m sure he won’t…
Here’s a picture of some of the Field Mushrooms, stems removed, ready for the pan.
Wild mushroom hunting. Edible Agaricus mushrooms. Young(ish( Field Mushrooms.
The Genus AGARICUS (Wood Mushrooms/Mushrooms): Characteristics to look out for: • Many discolour yellowish, reddish or pinkish when cut or bruised. |