Grifola frondosa

[Quercus925]

Anybody know where I can view a Grifola frondosa on a tree in the midlands.

Thanks

[thebeard]

just keep a lookout at the base of mature oak or beech, i've found a few in parks and stately home gardens. its often present at wollaton park in nottingham when i go

[Quercus925]

Thanks. i'll keep a look out !

[Ditiola]

Where in the Midlands are you?

Peter

[fairplay]

Hi There Quercus,

I suppose you do realise there is very little prospect of seeing G.frondosa until the season begins next year.
Here in Suffolk it normally shows between mid September to the end of October, but it may be slightly earlier or later in the midlands.

I actually tried eating a little this year, so after removing as many woodlice as I could, then slicing it, then removing more woodlice which came from nowhere, then placing it in the frying pan in melted butter, then picking off about 20 more woodlice coming to the surface of the 'island' to escape the heat, I finally got round to eating some and promptly spat the first mouthful out - IT WAS EXTREMELY EARTHY, despite having rinsed it first in salted water to try to remove the woodlice.

It photographs well though.

Neil.

[Quercus925]

Originally Posted by Ditiola

Where in the Midlands are you?

Peter

In Worcestershire.

[Ditiola]

Oh
Thats a bit far! as there was one in Derby a week ago.

Peter

[SheffieldLass]

Originally Posted by fairplay

Hi There Quercus,


I actually tried eating a little this year, so after removing as many woodlice as I could, then slicing it, then removing more woodlice which came from nowhere, then placing it in the frying pan in melted butter, then picking off about 20 more woodlice coming to the surface of the 'island' to escape the heat, I finally got round to eating some and promptly spat the first mouthful out - IT WAS EXTREMELY EARTHY, despite having rinsed it first in salted water to try to remove the woodlice.

Neil.

You went to all that effort when it is supposed to smell of mice urine? What a waste of good butter.

[fairplay]

I like to try all 'edible' species once, even if it is just to remove a small fraction. With the Grifola, there were 5 clumps of various stages around the base of an Oak in a garden I look after.
I removed a medium sized clump, took it to the owner of the grounds, told him it's edible, sliced it up, took my bit home, cooked it, spat it out (literally!) then phoned the owner and his wife and told them not too bother as it was awful.

Yes, I agree with you Melanie, it was a waste of butter, but the smell of mice wee (couldn't smell anything of note) wouldn't have put me off, after all, why do we all eat kidneys. (don't we ?)

Neil.

[thebeard]

i've never eaten it but when i found it i thought it smelled quite pleasant