Are these edible?

[lettucegrow!]

These popped up in my garden yesterday on a patch of ground that's being cleared after next doors leylandii trees have been chopped down. They drooped over our garden and cut so much light out we're really pleased they've gone at last. Anyway, they look ordinary mushrooms to me. Any thoughts on them being edible?

[ginger ninger]

My own thoughts are if your not 110% sure what they are, I'd leave well alone. There's sooo many different kinds of mushroom's that look like edible ones and aren't. But someone might be along and assure you there safe and unlike me, know there buttons from there death caps.

[quark1]

I have to say that I'm not entirely sure - but somewhere in the back of my ageing memory banks tells me that if the mushroom/toadstool has a 'skirt' on the stem its best to avoid - ie its a toadstool. Again I'm not sure of that applies universally to distinguish the 'shroom from the 'stool.

I'm sure there will be an expert along soon to enlighten us all - but unless you're absolutely sure of what you're picking and eating DO NOT EAT!

[Polly Fouracre]

They look alright to me. If the gills are pure white then leave well alone but these look like horse mushrooms. Try a tiny piece and if you are still alive an hour later they should be o.k.!!
Seriously, although I would eat them as horse mushrooms, you should seek better advice before eating any fungi.

[lettucegrow!]

Well I'm still here!! I did lots of googling and came to the same conclusion as you Polly. They are Horse mushrooms and very nice they were too. Apparently they are suitable for drying so the rest will be stored that way as soon as I find out the best way to do that- never tried that before. Clues anyone?

[BayViewPlot]

Congratulations on still being alive!

They looked alright to me but I shudder to think of the ones I've eaten in the past without being aware of what nasty ones are out there!

I would look at this a being a great introduction to mycophillia.

Check out rogersmushrooms.com if you havn't already and get a few second hand books on the subject - the more pictures/descriptions you can get of mushrooms the better.

Don't be afraid to throw mushrooms away - there will be more!

bvp

[annacruachan]

I think you're meant to string them on thread using a sewing needle and hang them up in a dry, warmish place to dry. However, if you have your heating on, it is a lot easier to spread them on kitchen paper on a not-too-warm radiator and let them dry out there. Once dry you break them up and store them in a screwtop jar of appropriate size.
Lucky you to have such bounty on your doorstep!

[lettucegrow!]

I think you're meant to string them on thread using a sewing needle and hang them up in a dry, warmish place to dry. However, if you have your heating on, it is a lot easier to spread them on kitchen paper on a not-too-warm radiator and let them dry out there. Once dry you break them up and store them in a screwtop jar of appropriate size.
Lucky you to have such bounty on your doorstep!

I know- I was really excited as my gut reaction on seeing them was that that they were OK .I remember collecting mushrooms on holiday with my Dad when we used to go camping. It was OH that put the doubt in my mind. I just love free food- always tastes better than bought stuff!

[lettucegrow!]

I would look at this a being a great introduction to mycophillia.


And this means Mushroom collector/gatherer?? sounds a bit dodgy!

[Snadger]

I would look at this a being a great introduction to mycophillia.


And this means Mushroom collector/gatherer?? sounds a bit dodgy!

Sounds a bit like a venereal disease to me!!!!!!!!!

[rustylady]

I remember collecting mushrooms with my Dad on Sunday mornings. The reason for this was that the farmer whose field the mushrooms grew in went to church every Sunday for 10 o'clock service. We knew these mushrooms were OK, cos he used to sell them. I don't have the confidence to use mushrooms found growing wild any more.

[lettucegrow!]

But that's sad really isn't it. Just because they are growing wild doesn't mean they are all poisonous. There's a whole larder of food just growing on it's own naturally. We have lost touch with what's around us and need to get back our confidence to try these freebies. We just need to re-educate ourselves so that if we see something we can confidently say 'yes, I can eat that !' I am definitely going to look into this, we need to get that skill back. ( Oooh sorry soap box moment there!!!)

[annacruachan]

It's certainly an exciting and rewarding occupation, but please don't ever eat any fungus that you can't identify 100%. As well as the multitude of wonderful fungi there are several which are deadly, and you won't know that you have a problem until it's way too late to do anything about it.
Get a good book (or more than one) and find out about fungus forays in your area. Hertfordshire has some excellent edible fungi and you should have no difficulty finding a foray near to you at this time of year. Enjoy!

[Mac]

Hi All, The River Cottage do a good book on mushrooms, and it gives you good piccies and info on the ones you should eat, and the ones you shouldnt.

[Capsid]

Q: What do you call a happy mycologist?
A: A fun guy

Get it?