Hobbies And Interests
Beefsteak Fungus
Fistulina hepatica, commonly known as beefsteak fungus, is a large mushroom that grows on living or dead wood. It has a tangy taste and is best when sauteed or used in a stew. Beefsteak fungus looks like fresh, red meat, hence its name. Its texture, when eaten, resembles meat as well. When beefsteak fungus is cooked, it loses its characteristic red color and turns black.
Shaggy Mane
Coprinus comatus, commonly known as shaggy mane, grows in the grass along the edges of roads or trails. Its flavor is robust, and it is often used in soup or in chicken dishes. Shaggy mane is tall, has a distinctive bullet-like shape, and is covered in white scales. It stays at its eating prime for only two to three days before it turns black around the edges of its cap. Then it decomposes into black goo.
Smoky Morel
Morchella elata, commonly known as smoky morel, grows in the forest, near streams, in thick brush, and around fallen trees. It's most readily discovered following rainy weather. The morels, including the smoky morel, are some of the most sought-after edible mushrooms in the world. Morels are good with cream and pasta, but they must be cooked thoroughly to remove toxins. Smoky morel starts out gray or tan, but it darkens as it ages, eventually turning black.