Shaggy Ink Cap, Coprinus comatus, Lawyer's wig, Shaggy mane.
This fragile little guy pops up that fast you have to be quick to get them when they're small or you'll be using them like squid ink to colour a risotto or dramatic sauce.
They are remarkable in the way that they can push their way up through rough asphalt, it's this urban habitat that can be their saviour from the forager as they frequent the parks and road verges, and one must consider our spew of pollutants before deciding whether or not to add them to the pot. Best picked when they are thumb size and the gills are still white or just turning pink. These don't keep long so eat as soon as possible after pickng or they will mature into a puddle of ink.
The other important thing to note is that they don't react well when consumed of alcohol. causes nausea,stomach cramps and palpitations. Use a 24hr period as a rule. This aplies to the ink cap family, Common Ink Cap, Coprinus atramentarius
Glistening Ink Cap Coprinus micaceus, and the Coprinus disseminatus (Non Inky Coprinus) whose gills don't dissolve with age.
What to look for.
Cap. Cylindrical becoming bell shaped, scaly.
Gills. White when young, turning pink through to black~at this stage they start to disolve.
Stem. White,free moving ring up to 20cm in hieght, 1-1.5cm diameter
Spores. Black
Habitat. Greens, lawns, roadside/path verges.
This fragile little guy pops up that fast you have to be quick to get them when they're small or you'll be using them like squid ink to colour a risotto or dramatic sauce.
They are remarkable in the way that they can push their way up through rough asphalt, it's this urban habitat that can be their saviour from the forager as they frequent the parks and road verges, and one must consider our spew of pollutants before deciding whether or not to add them to the pot. Best picked when they are thumb size and the gills are still white or just turning pink. These don't keep long so eat as soon as possible after pickng or they will mature into a puddle of ink.
The other important thing to note is that they don't react well when consumed of alcohol. causes nausea,stomach cramps and palpitations. Use a 24hr period as a rule. This aplies to the ink cap family, Common Ink Cap, Coprinus atramentarius
Glistening Ink Cap Coprinus micaceus, and the Coprinus disseminatus (Non Inky Coprinus) whose gills don't dissolve with age.
What to look for.
Cap. Cylindrical becoming bell shaped, scaly.
Gills. White when young, turning pink through to black~at this stage they start to disolve.
Stem. White,free moving ring up to 20cm in hieght, 1-1.5cm diameter
Spores. Black
Habitat. Greens, lawns, roadside/path verges.
These have a great flavour enjoy fried with breakfast, or made into a rich soup.
pod-cast of the the day I ran into Louis Smith up in Wicklow http://www.rte.ie/podcasts/2012/pc/pod-v-30071214m57srecipes8mushrooms-pid0-897888_audio.mp3
Excellent post. These just popped up outside my hut in the garden this morning. We were talking to some Germans a couple of weeks ago who said there was a mushroom/toadstool that could be dangerous if consumed with alcohol - and lo and behold, I learn that this is part of that family. Husband about to cook with breakfast, paused, remembering. Decided to play it safe since he's going to the pub this afternoon to watch Mayo regain the title... Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lucy, better to bevsafe than sorry. Will be happy for Mayo if the win though shouting for the Dubs myself
DeleteNice post and pics! I had some shaggy ink caps this morning for breakfast. There are hundreds behind my cottage. It is fine to drink with the shaggy ink caps, just not the common ink caps. In fact I am on my fifth beer right now and feel perfectly fine. Off to get more of these mushrooms tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteThanks JJm, not safe for all though and it's best to avoid alcohol with the 'Coprinus' family.and I won't be reccomending doing so. Pat
Delete