I will describe and photograph the mushrooms found near my home in Fort Valley, Virginia. The region consists of the George Washington National Forest. This is the central Appalachian region of the southeastern U.S. A word to the wise - Some species are toxic, even deadly. You've been warned. Then again, some mushrooms are incredibly delicious, and are the basis for unique and engaging meals.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
First post in 2010 - Conveniently alphabetical
Haven't had a chance to use my time for practical reasons (e.g. mushroom foraging). Instead, I've been hampered by work. Hope to get into the woods this Memorial Day weekend and make up for lost time. These Agrocybe have been popping up by the hundreds in garden mulch spread around the winery where I work.
I'm tempted to say this is some variant of Agrocybe praecox. Others have suggested A. dura. The striations near the top of the stem are distinctive and eye-catching. Said to be of little to no culinary value, I didn't even give it a try. But, those deep fissures in the cap look like they could soak up a batter or sauce... Some salted garlic butter, maybe? I bet there must be some way to make these things taste good.