Thomas Carlyle, a 19th century satirical writer and author of Sartor Resartus, once said, “Nature alone is antique, and the oldest art a mushroom.”
Simply put, mushrooms are the reproductive fruit of fungi, which are neither plant nor animal. Their spores need moisture to produce “fruit” and thrive best in temperatures between 40-70°F. Mushrooms have a variety of uses. Here are a few more facts to consider.
» Medicinal Mushrooms
In the United States, we are significantly fungophobic, yet the rich and ancient cultures of Japan, China and Russia have always prized mushrooms for their many uses. Traditional Chinese medicine utilizes mushrooms more than any other natural or holistic practice. For example, reishi mushrooms are often used to address lung cancer, leukemia, other cancers and sometimes weight loss.
» Poisonous Fungi
What we really want to know is “which mushrooms will kill me?” There isn’t a short answer to that question. However, out of the thousands of wild mushrooms that grow in North America, only about half a dozen are deadly poisonous, and only a few others cause severe gastrointestinal issues or other reactions. So, I would amend that warning with, “know your mushrooms 100 percent,” and “when in doubt, throw it out.” Educate yourself by joining a local mushroom club (like the North Idaho Mushroom Club), tagging along on mycologist forays or just burying yourself in the most comprehensive mushroom guide available – Mushrooms Demystified by David Arora, for instance.
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» Culinary Mushrooms
Your local grocery store won’t sell you poisonous mushrooms, so if you’re new to these earthy gems, start with the most commonly cultivated and consumed mushroom: the white button. Slice a few into a pan with butter, balsamic vinegar, garlic and salt, and sauté them for a few minutes. Delicious!
There are other mushrooms you can also buy at the supermarket: portabella, shiitake, cremini and more. Also, many wild mushrooms, including the popular NW morel, can be found growing in our yards and forests, especially after a spring or fall rain. Tim Gerlitz, mycologist and educator for the North Idaho Mycological Association, has this mushroom hunting advice:
Steer clear of areas that may have had fertilizers, insecticides or poisons broadcast in the area… When trying a new species of mushroom, even if you are 100 percent sure of the identification, always keep some aside – if you experience complications you can take them along with for emergency services to try and identify… Collect only firm, fresh specimens that are free from insects and molds. Don’t mix species in your mushroom basket. Never collect mushrooms in plastic bags because they will quickly spoil.
You can learn more about mushrooms through David Arora’s books and the North Idaho Mushroom Club (on Facebook). N
By S. Michal Bennett
As Featured In: Summer/Fall 2017