The Forager Newsletter: An Early Autumn, Smoking Puffballs & Cosy Cocktails

WHAT’S INSIDE THE FORAGER FOR AUGUST

• Seeking Smoking Puffballs

• 7 Unusual Mushrooms to Find this Autumn

• A cosy cocktail for the colder nights

• Food for thought: What I’ve been reading and listening too

Note: I don’t do affiliate links or get any kickback for mentioning anything in this newsletter but if anybody wants to buy me a cup of coffee please feel free to do so anytime :)

Good Morning Fellow Foragers,

Hope the summer treated you well and you are ready to get some dirt on those wellingtons. If you were to ask me what is my favourite time of the year I would always say Autumn. The burnt orange leaves, the magic of halloween, the dark, cosy nights. Autumn is like a new beginning.

A time when the kids start going back to school after their long summer break and parents finally get a minute to breathe. When all who yearn to create something new, start a new hobby or join a book club jump in. When you can hide the wobbly bits and put on your favourite whooly jumpers. Here is a little Haiku poem with a taste of this time of the year:

Golden leaves whisper,

Bold hands reach for crimson fruit,

Autumn's taste, a dream.

Let’s tuck into some of treats of Autumn and some food for thought this month.

Smoking Puffballs

Puffball Mushrooms are best found before they are at the smoking stage. This is when they are most fun to play with but should be avoided for all eating purposes.

If you’re looking for a safe introduction the world of mushroom hunting that puffballs are a great place to start. Puffballs are easy to identify, plentiful, and delicious when prepared correctly.

All puffballs found in the UK are edible when young, making them a safe bet for those who might be a bit nervous about picking the wrong mushroom. They also often appear in groups, so you may find enough for a meal in one spot. Dream come true!

Among the puffball family, the Giant Puffball (Calvatia gigantia) stands out a mile. This mushroom is impossible to mistake for anything else once it matures. It can grow up to three feet in diameter and weighs enough to feed a small army. One puffball can provide several meals, making it a practical find for any forager.

Edible v’s non-Edible Puffballs

While the Giant Puffball is the superstar of the puffball family, the smaller ones are tasty too and can work well alongside other mushrooms in the same dish. Here’s how to make sure you’re picking the right ones:

Puffballs, as their name suggests, are typically round or slightly elongated, like a ball with a stem. Unlike other mushrooms, they don’t have gills, spines, or pores under the cap.

The safest way to confirm you have an edible puffball is to cut it in half. The interior should be pure white and spongy. If it’s anything other than this it’s not edible and best to leave it for our furry friends to play with.

What can you do with them in the kitchen?

Puffballs have a mild flavor, making them versatile in the kitchen. The best way to prepare a Giant Puffball is to slice it into thick pieces and dry them in butter. Because puffballs can become quite floppy when cooked, coating them in breadcrumbs before frying helps to firm them up and adds a delightful crunch. For smaller puffballs try them in stir fries and pasta dishes alongside your other forest finds.

Grab a basket and a knife, and head into the woods for a puffball foraging adventure.

7 Unusual Mushrooms to find in the Woods

There are certain trees that are associated with certain species of mushroom but they may not always appear. This is what makes hunting for mushrooms an extra special foraging activity. People who specialise in the study of mushrooms are called Mycologists and these guys are the experts. Paul Stamets would be considered an expert in all things mushroom related and we would highly recommend a watch of his Ted Talk if you get some time, I will include it in my recommended reading below.

We are always fascinated by nature and the wild world around us. Mushrooms provide an extra element of surprise. As amateurs who have only been studying mushroom for a few years we would never claim to be experts in this area. However, we have identified some wonderful mushroom and we know enough about the popular types to put some delicious dishes together.

1. Cep AKA porcini

We love stumbling upon Ceps. This is one of the more famous mushrooms around the world and a regular feature in Italian cuisine. Ceps are fairly common from late summer to the end of Autumn but they are often hidden in the high grass. These popular mushrooms taste is delicious.

2. Collared Earthstar

This is the strangest looking mushroom we have ever stumbled upon. Usually found under hardwood trees. When the rain falls on this mushroom the spores escape, creating an eerie smoke. Native Americans called collared earthstars ka-ka-toos – meaning 'fallen stars' – and believed them to be indicators of supernatural events. If you happen to see one of these guys take the time to stop, stare and be in awe of natures wonders.

3. Shaggy Inkcap

AKA The Lawyers Wig. This tasty mushroom should be eaten very soon after it is picked. They are common in Ireland and often found on the edges of pathways or open woodlands.

4. Stinkhorn

You will spot this crazy looking mushroom from afar. We found two this year. One standing up straight and one flopped over towards the end of Autumn. He was obviously said that the season was finishing up. It smells disgusting and you would want to have a very strange palette to even consider eating it.

5. Amethyst Deceiver

This is one of my favourite types of mushroom and they are deceivingly delicious to taste. These small purple mushrooms are easy enough to find in mixed woodlands, often under beech trees.

6. Winter Chanterelles

winter-chanterelle-mushrooms-orchards-near-me

A firm favourite of all who have tried these delicious mushrooms and often easier to find than their sought after cousin. Winter chanterelles are a tasty treat in Autumn.

7. The Fly Agaric

Aka Amanita Muscaria, these mushroom appear in Autumn and add a spot of brightness to the damp woods. They are a vibrant red colour and often produce white spots on their caps. Both Alice and Wonderland and the Super Mario Brothers game feature these magical mushrooms. These guys are considered poisonous and have hallucinogenic properties.

Here are some fun facts about mushrooms that you can share with friends.

• Mushrooms are neither a plant or an animal.

• Some species of mushrooms have psychedelic properties that will make you hallucinate.

• The chicken of the woods mushroom feels and tastes like fried chicken.

• Over 200 species of mushrooms contain Psilocybin, the ingredient that causes hallucinations.

• Different species of mushroom can be used to produce dyes and vivid colours.

A cosy cocktail for the colder nights - Hot Toddy from the forest

Looking for a cozy drink to warm you up on a chilly day? This foraged twist on a classic hot toddy combines the earthy flavors of conifer needles with immune-boosting rose hips and a touch of ginger spice. Perfect for soothing a sore throat or just sipping by the fire after a snowy adventure.

Ingredients

• Conifer needles (pine or spruce)

• Rose hips (rich in vitamin C)

• Fresh ginger

• Honey or maple syrup

• Whiskey or bourbon

• Orange slices (or lemon)

• Cinnamon stick for garnish

How to Make It

Steep conifer needles, rose hips, ginger, and a cinnamon stick in boiling water for 15-20 minutes.

Strain the tea into a mug, add 1-2 oz of whiskey, a slice of orange, and a spoonful of honey or maple syrup. Stir well.

Add extra orange slices, a cinnamon stick, or a sprig of conifer needles.

Enjoy this warming drink with earthy conifer notes, a hint of spice, and the perfect whiskey finish! Great for cozy nights or after a day out in the cold.

Enjoy!

Food for Thought

Fascinating read right here - What a bioluminescent petunia had to teach me

6 Ways Mushrooms Can Save the World - Watch here

Time to change and think local! It’s important that we understand the plight of some of the farm workers who provide the produce our most loved items - Migrant worker dies on Flower farm

One way to fight invasive species, eat them! - Read More about the Invasivore Movement

Researchers prove 120-million-year-old volcanism on moon

Happy Foraging All!