Mushroom Foraging In Winter? Try Finding These Delicious Mushrooms
Once the fall is over doesn’t mean mushroom hunting season has to come to a screeching halt. Not in Northern California, at least. There are plenty of mushrooms that are just coming into their own come wintertime. Some of these winter mushrooms are among the best that Northern California has to offer in terms of flavor.
Chicken Of The Woods
Chicken of the Woods has to be one of the best-tasting mushrooms in Northern California. Many believe that this species of edible fungi tastes a lot like chicken. This makes it an excellent addition to any meal. This meaty mushroom can be found in the winter and usually grows in shelf-like clusters.
If you are going for a hike, Chicken of the Woods is not difficult to spot. This mushroom is both large and brightly colored. A tree can have several pounds worth of Chicken of the Woods growing out of it. If you are skeptical about eating wild edible mushrooms, Chicken of the Woods can quickly make you a believer.
Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are another wintertime survivor. In fact, these mushrooms thrive in the colder months. Oyster mushrooms are very beginner-friendly because of how easy they are to identify. Plus, they are great for eating. That being said, it’s still important to do your due diligence before consuming any kind of wild fungi.
The flesh of Oyster mushrooms is thick and white. They grow in clusters and possess a mild and nutty flavor that is perfect for frying. Before cooking, the gills should be flushed out and you may choose to discard the tough stems.
Lion’s Mane
While Lion’s Mane mushrooms are known better for their medicinal properties, they actually have a unique seafood-like flavor and texture. Lion’s Mane mushrooms stimulate nerve growth and have been shown to aid those with cognitive impairments. They have a very distinct look, with no real cap or stem. Instead, a Lion’s Mane mushroom sports long spines that resemble a cluster of icicles.
Finding this medicinal mushroom in the wild is a real treat. They are very easy to identify and are considered a gourmet edible mushroom by many. Lion’s Mane mushrooms are white in color, but turn brownish or yellowish as they mature. Their distinct flavor and medicinal properties make them a favorite among mushroom enthusiasts.
Northern California is one of the best places in the country to hunt for wild edible mushrooms. This is especially true for those that want to find them in the winter months. It’s always fun to challenge yourself, and zeroing in on certain types of wild mushrooms when the winter comes will lead you to trying new types of edible fungi. The ones listed above are just a few of the many mushrooms that can still be found in Northern California after the fall.
Want to find your own? We have mushroom foraging classes all season in Marin, Sonoma, and the Santa Cruz Mountains.