Describing the caps of gilled mushrooms

It is difficult to notice what you can’t describe. Here is a list of words that mycologists have used to formally describe the caps of gilled mushrooms. The larger the word the more often it is used.

It is difficult to notice what you can’t describe. Here is a list of words that mycologists have used to formally describe the caps of gilled mushrooms. The larger the word the more often it is used.
I have had some of the best luck finding summer mushrooms in the Olympics and along the Straight of Juan de Fuca on Vancouver Island. If I could choose anywhere right now, I would pick coastal Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. Still, I managed to find a Bears Head (Hericium) last weekend in the western…
Packing for a foraging trip involves preparing for your safety, comfort, and pleasure. Much of this list is built around personal preference, length of trip, and local weather conditions. The basics What to wear Mushroom foraging is often in cool, damp forests. Dress for the weather, and be prepared for changing conditions. I typically wear:…
You find a mushroom and notice two key features on the underside of the cap. The gills are white, and they are detached from the stem. Surprisingly this is enough to significantly narrow the possibilities of this mushroom’s identity
Morel crostini is a great, easy to make hors d’oeuvre to impress guests, or simply to enjoy yourself. The sweet, yet tart flavor of balsamic vinegar balances well with morels, making this an exciting treat. For tips about finding, harvesting, and cooking with morels, read our post Cooking With Morels. I began making my crostini…
As we pass the winter solstice and look back on a fungi-filled autumn, here’s a fun reimagining of the 12 days of Christmas for all of you mycophiles.
Cleaning dirt, sand, and bugs from mushrooms is a common challenge for foragers. Here are some tips for reducing the amount of these that make their way into your cooking Clean Mushrooms As You Pick One key characteristic of morels is their honeycomb pockets. Unfortunately, these are also a great place for dirt to collect…