We hoped to learn more about the types of fungi found in the Cairngorm National Park along with picking and gathering other wild plants and berries. We were not disappointed, however this year wild mushrooms such as Cep and other Boletus was been poor. This could be down to a number of reasons - "the mild spring in April", "the wet summer", the fact it was a good season last year (see previous blog posting), or perhaps our eyes were bleary from the previous nights Dalwhinnnie session!
- Reuel Wins The Largest Chantrelle -
The trip could be considered a "busman's holiday" as Highland Holiday Cottages which Sian and I run is only 20mins drive south from the location. It was however, a well needed break, and as we love the Highlands and the Cairngorms it was just what we needed. Andy our guide was very knowledgeable on edible plants and fungi and Rebecca's lemon cake was a real winner. The evenings entertainment was great, usually involving wine, beer, cider and gin, ending in a visit to the local pub in the Boat of Garten. We were also very lucky to have a great group, that put up with my hangovers... Linda from Cheshire and Graham and Jill from London.....(a big hello if you read this).
Chantrelle and a Cow berries, Great walk in Carrbridge, Some of the gang
Day One - What can I say (a picture lets a thousand words)... in a mornings forage we found a great selection of fungi, from the trusty chantrelle to cauliflower fungus..and the common Hedgehog Fungus all great for eating. In fact Rebecca kindly cooked these and some puff ball for us to try. To be honest they all had quite similar tastes "mushroom" but all very tasty. We also found and identified some of the more common poisonous and deadly poisonous mushrooms such as the "Angel of Death". It is probably more important to know and identify the poisonous mushrooms, rather than ones you can eat....We also were unsure about the identification of some....so discarded them...if in doubt leave it out!
- All gathered within 4 mile radius in a few hours -
Day Two - We were rather less successfully than day one, I think we were perhaps a little less excited and perhaps less reluctant to stray of the path as we had a long walk ahead ..we did come across some mushrooms (Puffballs, Bay Boletus and Slipper Jacks) but very few and far between, and a variety of edible plants and berries..(Juniper Berry, Rowan Beery, Wood Sorrel, Dog Rose/ Rose Hip, Pig Nut, Bilberry, Crowberry, Sloe Beery). Since being home Sian has already been out and gathered Rose Hip and made some rose hip syrup. We were also very lucky to see two wild male cappercallie... a first for Sian and I....we can now tick that off our spotters list.....
- Cow Berry -
Day Three - Yes I had a day three..every one else was at home or at work ..I was determined to go out and find a Cep (also known as, Penny Bun also known as, Porcini also known as Boletus Edulis). But it became clear there was no sign. I did however find a location where the Common hedgehog mushroom flourished along with a good hoard of wild oyster mushrooms. I then went on to dry them using a commercial food dryer....(thanks to Patricia my neighbour for the borrow).....Not sure if these types are good for drying but I'll let you know how it goes when I use them in my planned "creamy wild hedgehog and chive soup".....still working on the final recipe
Hedgehog Fungi, Wild Oyster Mustrooms, Scaly Tooth Fungus
I have a feeling the 2007 season for wild mushrooms and fungi is coming to and end, the nights are getting colder and it won't be long until the snow comes......I do hope next season the boletus will be back and that I find that infamous tree hugging mushroom "chicken of the woods"....I can now focus on Wild Game...how to catch, shoot, prepare and cook.....watch out partridge, pheasant, wood cock and roe deer I'm coming after you......Speak soon Cameron D. Bain http://www.highlandholidaycottages.com/
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