With over 25 years of experience in the Pacific Northwest, Daniel Winkler has established a reputation as an expert. He leads tours and has taught about mushrooms to enthusiasts all over the world. New mycophiles and newcomers to the Pacific Northwest need this field guide!
Winkler’s guide is current in nomenclature and will give you an excellent foundation for hunting edible mushrooms in the Pacific Northwest’s forests. Yes, you will find terms new to you but as with any new subject this is a fun part of learning. Winkler explains how mushrooms are “fruits of the forest” by comparing them to the apples on a tree – but the tree itself is underground. He also explains the relationship between plants and mushrooms. The one thing I have always taught my newcomers is the importance of learning the habitat. I can’t count the number of times I have been asked, “how do you know where to look?” You look at the trees and then you know where to start looking for mushrooms.
- Key characteristics for each species to aid in identification
- Full-color photographs depicting each featured species
- Includes recipes for simple backcountry fare to elaborate dishes
With details for harvesting everything from the ever-popular golden chanterelles to the red-cracked bolete, Fruits of the Forest will appeal to both the novice and the avid mushroom hunter. Lifelong mushroom educator and expert Daniel Winkler presents 170+ edible wild mushrooms that flourish across our region, from Northern California to British Columbia. Comprehensive yet accessible and full of personality, this full-color field guide features habitat and seasonality, how to store and prep different varieties, tips for differentiating look-alike species, and much more.
Winkler also shares a selection of recipes to help you get the mushrooms from the forest to your fork. I tried the Bolete Butter on page 333. My non-mushroom friends found it earthy, not overbearing, lovely and enjoyed it on fresh bread I had made. It stores well and will be a treat to share again soon. I can also tell you I have had his chanterelle vodka and it was to die for.
Fruits of the Forest: A Field Guide to Pacific Northwest Edible Mushrooms
