A mushroom question

[katiekynoch]

Not a recipe but a query so forgive me . . .

Has anyone else got an amazing crop of field mushrooms in their ponies' paddocks? This is the first year (in the 7 years I've been there) that they have been so prevalent. I picked over a pound yesterday and there were more for the taking today. Trouble is, I am loathe to use them as on close inspection when cleaning them there are a number of tiny brown mite-like creatures running amok among the gills , not to mention the larvae tracks in the caps too I know our human digestive systems would make short work of such things but they are on a par with cod worms in my book so I will stick to the shop-bought ones

[lyndales]

Be really careful with any mushrooms you find growing. Some of the ones that look like they are the same as the ones from the shops are not! My father-in-law nearly ate some which were very poisonous (but looked innocent)

Here in France you can take them to the pharmacy to have them checked out. They always have a chart on the wall too so you can look yourself. I personally wouldn't eat anything without a label/packet - it's not worth it.

Lynda x

[SuzieP]

I love field mushrooms, but would only eat them young and absolutely fresh - and if I was sure they were safe. If they've had time to get wormy then I think I'd decide they were too old.

I love the French way of doing things. I'm not sure UK pharmacists would have any more idea than me about fungi. Em (mickey) would know.....

[harveydales]

Lucky you, we haven't had any field mushrooms this year. I suppose it's been too dry. I generally pick them when they're young and not fully open but it won't hurt to use them when they're a bit older. I'm not squeamish so wouldn't worry about the wildlife on them if I was using them for a soup or sauce (don't tell Andy )