Foraging For Fungi

[Tarrel]

I had a professional fungi forager come and spend a day with me in the woodland yesterday. I couldn't believe the amount of stuff he found that is perfectly edible. I must have literally been walking past it for the last few days!

I put him up at our place and we had a teach-in / taster menu / wine-drinking session last night. Great fun.

Some of the things we found:
- Penny Bun (Ceps / Porcini)
- Larch bolete
- Peppery bolete
- Chanterelle
- Field mushrooms
- Amethyst deceiver
- Slimy jack

Having researched some of these, it's surprising how much nutritional value there is, especially in the Penny Buns. High protein, vitamin and mineral levels while low in carbs and fat.

Obviously one has to be cautious about what you pick up, but a few hours with an expert is a real confidence-builder.

If you don't have this skill already, worth looking out for a local ranger-guided walk or, even better, a foraging specialist. Highly recommended.