bun ready
The monsoon rains bring nature's culinary specialties when just the right conditions present themselves. Mushrooms and fungi emerge from the
forest duff and debris, and it doesn't take long for animals of all stripes to discover them, including humans. It was always a wonder to me when those who were experts said they were going mushroom hunting in the mountains. Eating one from the wild without said expert is not something I would do. But photographing them is another thing all together. This year's late season batch - be them edible or not - definitely seemed bun ready. Easily hamburger or salad-plate sized, the majority of them were located near the bases of spruce and Douglas fir trees. Something about the chemistry appears to work for their growth. Can't you see the specimen below grilled with a bit of olive oil and stuffed in a bun? All the mushrooms shown here were 4-8 inches across.
The mushroom below looks like it has been sautéed and is ready to eat.
Given the color of the mushroom shown below, my guess it could be poisonous.
Nature appears to have already roasted the one shown below.
A great brain?
Chunks of granite provided the bun here.
Thanks to Barbara F. R., Tim, Bill & Sue, Charlie, TTT, Orlando, Sam & Lena, Carolyn, Sara and Chuck, Jean & Sam, Ann M., Claudia, Victoria, Gustavo, Dianne, Earle, Dave & Donna, and Steve for your comments last week and for the good wishes. I hope with the opening of September, temperatures are cooler and the feel of autumn is carried on the breezes!
until next Monday,
DB
a passion for the image©
Comments
I wouldn't risk eating one off the forest floor either. But we had friend in New Hampshire who could pick one without hesitation. In fact, she wrote a book about New England mushrooms.
A very nice grouping, Daryl.
Amazing finds. Each a little character.
Now, which ones are poisonous ?