Wildcraft Edibles

Oyster mushrooms, Portobella and button mushrooms, shiitake and crimini, these are some of the commonly cultivated mushrooms found on store shelves and offered through mushroom workshop and supply stores. But what if one wants to grow some of the other delicious mushrooms currently found only in the wild?

Our always-expanding selection of spores harvested from edible non-mycorrhizal mushrooms found deep in the forest features many gourmet selections not readily found anywhere else along with a few popular varieties. Because these are wildcraft spores collected in the forest we can only guarantee that they are genuine spores of the species listed.

The Spring Agrocybe

Agrocybe praecox   , , ,    Spring agrocybe

This mushroom is very common in the spring and is often found along garden paths, forest edges and in woodchips. Not rated as one of the best edibles, described as being bitter but some people like and it and works good as an ornamental.  Usually found in abundance.

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OYSTERS

Pluteus ostreatus     Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms are a popular and much cultivated specie, there are almost as many ways to grow it as there are to cook it! Cultivation information is easily found using any internet search engine. Even a PF type jar can yield a small crop. We use spores collected only from wild specimens, such as the ones pictured above. A delicious and easily cultivated mushroom, this one is a sure winner!

DEER

Pluteus cervinus      Deer Mushroom

This common mushroom grows on wood or buried wood. Eaten by many especially in stews and soups. It has a sharp taste and is best when young and firm. It must be refrigerated asap as the soft flesh spoils rapidly.

 

THE PRINCE

Agaricus  augustus       The Prince 

When young, this big, beautiful mushroom has caps which are delectably sweet and almondy. The taste is a stronger mushroomy flavour when mature. Discard the fibrous stalks, young unopened caps are best. Use in place of store bought button mushrooms which are the closely related Agaricus bisporus. This is a good mushroom to dry and store as it has a very intense flavour which will enhance any dish. Cultivate this mushroom on garden compost.








PUFFBALLS

Lycoperdon perlatum     Puffballs

The lowly puffball...bland at best, bitter at worst. Edible when young, firm and white inside, they are high in protein and have a good balance of amino acids. Some make a chowder with milk and seasoning.







 

SHAGGY PARASOL

Lepiota rachodes      Shaggy Parasol

Edible and excellent, one of the very best of all agarics! This mushroom is grown commercially in Europe where it's meaty-nutty flavour is prized by connoisseurs. Suggested substrate: compost.




 

MEADOW

Agaricus campestris        Meadow Mushroom

Edible and excellent whether raw or cooked, this is one of the most widely picked mushrooms in the world. The flavour is far superior than that of it's close relative, the common Button mushroom. Cultivate on compost or straw and use in place of Button, Crimini or Portobello mushrooms.