Waxcaps are familiar-shaped fungi that are often brightly-coloured with a waxy or slippery-looking cap we’re going to take a closer look at them in this introduction to waxcap mushrooms piece. The botanical name for this family is Hygrocybe meaning ‘watery head’. They are typically found in grasslands that are poor…
Tag: fungi
The relationship between and fungi is a truly complex one, through this piece we’ll just scratch the surface. When people think of fungi they often see them as destructive, appearing on stale bread, rotting fruit and vegetables and killing trees. But many fungi are actually beneficial to plants and trees,…
The best wild mushrooms for beginners The world of mushrooms and fungi can be an intimidating place for beginners so through this guide we’re going to look at the best wild mushrooms for beginners. Many of them look very similar and if you get it wrong there’s the risk of…
One of the most commonly asked questions, when we are running courses, is ‘Will we find any Truffles today?’ unfortunately my answer is almost always no, through this guide we’re going to look at An Introduction to Truffles in case you happen to be lucky enough to stumble across some…
Pink Waxcap / Autumn / Winter / Edible The Pink Waxcap is one of the rarest and most beautiful fungi in the UK. Quite easy to ID but they should be photographed and left untouched. Scientific Name Porpolomopsis calyptriformis Common Names Pink Waxcap, Ballerina Waxcap Family Hygrophoraceae Habitat They are…
Blackening Waxcap / Summer / Autumn / Inedible Step into the captivating world of the Blackening Waxcap, scientifically known as Hygrocybe conica, as we explore the intriguing qualities of this enigmatic mushroom. In this blog post, we embark on a journey to uncover the distinctive features and fascinating transformations that…
Crimson Waxcap / Autumn / Winter / Edible Prepare to be enchanted by the radiant beauty and culinary splendor of the Crimson Waxcap, scientifically known as Hygrocybe punicea. In this blog post, we embark on a journey to discover the captivating qualities and edible delights of this remarkable mushroom. With…
Scarlet Waxcap / Autumn / Winter / Edible Scientific Name Hygrocybe coccinea Common Names Scarlet Waxcap, Scarlet hood, Righteous red waxy cap. Family Hygrophoraceae Habitat They are found in woodland clearings and mown meadows and fields, where fertilisers and herbicides aren’t used. Description One of the smaller red Waxcap, they…
Black Truffle / Spring / Winter / Edible Prepare to enter a world of unparalleled gastronomic indulgence as we unravel the secrets of the Black Truffle, scientifically known as Tuber melanosporum. In this blog post, we embark on an extraordinary journey into the realm of culinary opulence, where the unmistakable…
White Truffle / Autumn / Winter / Edible Scientific Name Tuber magnatum Common Names White Truffle, Piedmont truffle, White gold Family Tuberaceae Habitat They are mycorrhizal and grow just beneath the surface near oak, popular, beech and hazel trees. Unfortunately they aren’t found in the UK, they’re famously found in…