Wild Mushroom Eating Guide
Some people may be allergic to certain species of cultivated or wild mushrooms found in the marketplace, just as some people are allergic to some types of seafood, fruit or honey. So, to prevent an unfortunate reaction when eating a NEW mushroom, you should:
1. ALWAYS be sure of the mushrooms identity. Typically, there is more than one mushroom expert in the marketplace.
2. NEVER eat a mushroom raw! This rule applies to all mushrooms. Digestibility, flavor, available nutrition and the elimination of some potentially harmful substances all result from thorough cooking.
ALL of the following mushrooms require very thorough cooking: Saber Stalks, Fried Chicken Mushrooms, Honey Mushrooms, Lobster Mushrooms, Shrimp Mushrooms, Morels, and False Morels.
IF DRIED, soak mushrooms approximately 20 minutes in hot (not boiling) water. Remove, place on a paper towel and pat dry. Prepare the same way you would any fresh mushroom.
3. DO NOT drink alcohol! When consuming new mushrooms the presence of alcohol seems to produce stronger allergic reactions.
4. Check for spoilage! People have been made ill by consuming spoiled mushrooms. Mushrooms should be stored in a paper bag and refrigerated as soon as possible after purchasing. When cooking, all obviously spoiled mushrooms or parts must be removed and not included in the dish to be served.
5. ONLY EAT A ONE TABLESPOON COOKED SAMPLE of a new mushroom. If an allergic reaction was to occur, this amount should only produce a mild nausea.
6. ENJOY! Once you have determined that you can taste and tolerate a new mushroom, enjoy the regional variety, flavors and beauty of locally available mushrooms.
For a book on the subject of edible wild mushrooms, check out Edible Wild Mushrooms of North America: A Field-to-Kitchen Guide by David W. Fischer and Alan E. Bessette.
Read more on SustainLane about foraging:
Urban Foraging: The Ultimate in Eating Hyper-Local
Answering the Call of Wild Foods
Jordana G. says:
I never knew you're not supposed to eat raw mushrooms! Or that you shouldn't drink alcohol wen eating them! Mushrooms are sounding dangerous here!
Cris Bisch says:
What's recommended here is a slow introduction of a new mushroom into the diet. These tips are for your safety when trying a NEW mushroom, to avoid a possible allergic reaction. If you can eat them cooked, then you can probably eat them raw.