Book Review - Edible Fungi of Britain and Northern Europe - Princeton University Press - WILDGuides

 

     Foraging for wild foods is at times controversial, and can be damaging if not done properly, so any book that provides guidelines on how to do it correctly is welcome. This is a very user-friendly book that does exactly that, and it behooves every forager to read it, and practice the techniques needed to ensure that the resource is harvested in a sustainable manner. It also highlights the need to forage only where it is legal, is permitted and to respect the boundaries of private property. 

      Foraging is best done singly, or with a couple of friends; large groups exacerbate the potential to damage fragile ecosystems, but one does see foraging parties where people pay a "leader" to take them out in the woods to find mushrooms. High-end restaurants are willing to pay handsomely for wild mushrooms, and the prospect of financial gain often outweighs the conscience of the individual foraging.

     Fungi may be found almost anywhere and there is a useful section on the types of mushrooms to be found in different habitats. A critical word of caution, it seems to me is, "And when collecting anything for consumption, you should always have a mind to the fact that dogs will do what dogs do!"

     This book is about edible mushrooms so it is more than a little useful to also correctly identify those that are poisonous.  Few species are fatal, but many can make you very sick, a situation to be avoided at all cost. A delightful section covers the cooking of mushrooms - very helpful indeed and accompanied by glorious full colour images of dishes to fire up the appetite. Mushrooms may be stored, principally by drying and this is covered too.

     An extensive section covers the various species of mushroom to be found in Britain and Northern Europe, their habitat, seasonality and tips for harvesting and cooking. Some mushrooms can safely be eaten raw; in other cases it is essential to cook them well before consumption. 

     The book is well laid out from start to finish and is a very easy read. Every page has excellent full colour illustrations to complement an informative text. It has the potential to become the forager's handbook - the only one you might ever need.

Edible Fungi of Britain and Northern Europe: How to Identify, Collect and Prepare - Princeton University Press - WILDGuides

Author: Jens H. Petersen

Hardcover - US$22.95 - ISBN: 9780691245195

160 pages - 6.125 x 9.25 inches (15.31 x 23.125 cm)

429 Colour and 45 black-and-white illustrations

Publication Date: 25 April, 2023