Anyone tried honey fungus?

Acutipuerilis · #1 (**permalink**) 20-10-2007, 09:04 AM

We've got a lovely clump of Armillaria mellea in the park. I know these count as 'edible if cooked' but does anyone know if they have to be cooked in a particular way, and if they're good enough to be worthwhile anyway?
Ta muchly,
Joe

arvensis · #2 (**permalink**) 20-10-2007, 09:18 AM

I'm not sure about the cooking bit but be aware that they are known to cause stomach upsets in some people - thats if you didn't know this already.

Mark

NickCantle · #3 (**permalink**) 21-10-2007, 01:26 AM

As Arvensis (Good to see you again Mark) said, it has been known to cause a bit of stomach upset in particular individuals. Also, if you plan to collect it, make sure you take a tupperware pot or a sealed container to take them home in. Open weave baskets are great for spreading spores and all, but the last thing you want to be distributed in your garden is the spores of Armillaria mellea...It will kill everything

Nick

Acutipuerilis · #4 (**permalink**) 21-10-2007, 08:53 AM

Thanks for the advice, both of you! I may actually give it a miss after all this... it's just so tempting because we're so short of good edibles around here...

NickCantle · #5 (**permalink**) 21-10-2007, 08:55 AM

That's the last thing you want to be thinking...plus, it will make the first edibles so much more worth the wait

Nick

The Woodman · #6 (**permalink**) 21-10-2007, 10:43 AM

Recommended eating. Regularly casserole them in layers with potatoe and Canada Goose breast meat in a good stock - beautiful. Slow cooked all day in a low oven. Chicken would substitute for the goose meat.

gourmetfungi · #7 (**permalink**) 21-10-2007, 12:08 PM

There is nothing wrong with honey fungus if cooked correctly. Preferably pick them when they are small and firm before the stalks become tough. They are just beginning to flourish at the moment. Great in pasta dishes due to shape or mix with other species of different shapes for effect.

Vipera · #8 (**permalink**) 03-06-2008, 11:45 PM

Ive had them before and they were quite nice, i think i gave them a quick boil before frying them

NickCantle · #9 (**permalink**) 03-06-2008, 11:48 PM

There's just something about the thought of eating this fungus that repulses me in a way, and I've not a clue why

The Woodman · #10 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008, 05:49 AM

Hi Nick, go for it. If you've made a positive ID, cut them off whilst reasonably small and get 'em in the pan in Saturday morning with the bacon etc. You won't regret it. Enjoy.