Archaeology of Mushrooms

WHAT IS A CHANTERELLE? This mushroom is one of the most popular fungi on the shelves of your local retailer.   Among other nicknames they are called egg mushrooms.  Asian and European versions are much smaller then the giant North American variety.  German chefs argue that tinier mushrooms in general yield more flavor (while French chefs […]

WHAT IS AN ENOKI MUSHROOM? This popular Japanese mushroom grows in tall, thin clusters almost reminiscent of bamboo trees.  They are also known as Golden Needle or Velvet Foot mushrooms (which sound like an awesome Sunday morning Kung Fu movie drive-in T.V. marathon special).  These fungi tend to favor the enoki (or hackberry) tree along […]

WHAT IS A LION’S MANE MUSHROOM? The name is not a coincidence, this mushroom literally looks like the shaggy mane of a lion.  Also known as a monkey head or pom pom mushroom, they  In Asia they are native to Asia, Europe and North America. Not only are they popular in food, but this mushroom […]

WHAT IS A CHAMPIGNON? Also called a white button mushroom, their popularity in retail stores is due to a combination of affordability and having a mild, non-threatening flavor.  They are native primarily to North America and Europe.  But champignon are grown commercially elsewhere.  They come in both white and brown colors.  These fungi are a […]

WHAT IS HEN OF THE WOODS? Hen of the Woods is also known as ram’s head, sheep’s head or by the Japanese name maitake.  These mushrooms look a bit like a clumped up mess.  But they are delicious!  Their caps grow in multiple, overlapping layers unlike most other mushrooms.  Hen of the Woods has an […]

WHAT IS A CREMINI MUSHROOM? Creminis are white button mushrooms that are allowed to mature for a bit longer.  That is why they are less white and more brown.  Also known as baby bellas (from portobella), they are very similar to a young portobello.  Cremini mushrooms are a good compromise both in intensity of flavor […]

WHAT IS A MOREL? It is an edible mushroom famous for its’ honeycomb texture and tall, slender shape. However morels can vary quite a bit in appearance.  The name morchella also refers to the morel, though they are known as the “true morels.”  While truffles are among the most expensive fungal ingredients known, morel mushrooms aren’t […]

WHAT IS A PORCINI MUSHROOM? Porcini mushrooms a.k.a. “cèpes” are an edible fungus that originated in the northern hemisphere.  But can now be found all over the world.  They grow to around 4 inches in height and are characterized by a large, dark brown cap and white stem.  Spores form during the summer and autumn […]

WHAT IS A WHITE TRUFFLE? This type of fungus is the lesser known sibling of the famous black truffle.   Commercially hardwood trees like Beech, Birch, Pine and Oak will have their roots infused with truffle spores and are then planted in orchards.  Their branches create a canopy of shade that encourages fungal growth.  Traditionally the white […]

WHAT IS A PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM? Much like with Chilean Sea Bass, the name Portobello was created several decades ago to help sell promote sales.  The correct spelling per the Italians is Portabella, however I’m using the more popular spelling here.  These mushrooms are the mature form of several different strains of the same species. WHY […]

WHAT IS A BLACK TRUFFLE? It is the most famous member of the Tuber melanosporum family of fungi.  Unlike mushrooms though, truffles grow completely below ground.  While a black truffle might look a bit like a potato (another tuber), they certainly don’t cost the same.  In France’s Perigord and Provence regions, eating them is said to […]

WHAT IS A SHIITAKE MUSHROOM? This Japanese mushroom is named after the tree (shii) that it originally grew on.  They grow on average to 2 to 4 inches in size on decaying hardwood trees.  Today they are one of the most popular mushrooms in the world due to their smoky and meaty flavor.  Already ten […]