While the storms that have struck this week herald the end of the summer drought, there is a silver lining to the start of autumn: not only are the meadows and lawns returning to green but there is a subterranean stirring that heralds the start of the mushroom season. We … Read More
Autumn is most definitely here, and if you walk in the woods with the leaves falling, that unmistakable earthy, mushroom smell pervades every footstep. I find myself yearning to eat mushrooms at this time of year, they satisfy my autumn cravings. If you know where to look, there are wild … Read More
Another great local supplier has popped up in Hambrook. Roger has started growing Oyster Mushrooms using straw and used coffee grounds from an Emsworth cafe as his substrate. The mycelium grows into the substrate log in a dark, warm room for 3-4 weeks, before being moved into a light, high … Read More
St Georges Mushrooms have started to appear nearly a month late. They are so-called as they tend to pop up on St Georges day, but with last month’s drought and cold, they very sensibly stayed tucked up in bed until it got a bit warmer. They grow in pastures and … Read More
This is such a simple dish, the trick is to cook the mushrooms right and be extremely generous with the garlic. Chestnut, button, or large flat mushrooms are great, and we also have a mix of more exotic mushrooms from the New Forest which include yellow and pink oyster mushrooms, … Read More
Following closely behind the Asparagus comes a lovely line up of locally grown veg which will build towards the summer. We have a new veg supplier who is able to source more local produce at a better price, so come and have a look. Some of the veg producers also … Read More
The woods and hedgerows are springing to life and you can enjoy the bounty with foraged St George’s Mushrooms and wild garlic. You can also enjoy nettle tips (very healthy and surprisingly tasty stir fried with garlic, chilli and pine nuts!). We will have a small amount of wild garlic … Read More
The king of wild mushrooms are the ceps (in French), porcini (in Italian) or Penny Bun (good old blighty). They can be found in the UK as early as July until the first frost and are the greatest of all foraged foods. They start popping up after a good … Read More
Wood Ear fungus is for the braver of the foragers amongst you – as it looks and feels distinctly like a cold, clammy ear. However it’s prized for its anti-inflammatory properties, eaten to relieve tonsillitis, swelling, but is also regarded as a powerful anti-carcinogen, used to prevent and treat tumours. … Read More
On the Hunt for the Lobster Mushroom. While on holiday in Canada catching up with the in-laws, I was tempted with a bit of foraging as we were surrounded by woods. It had been a hot summer, but it rained the first two days of my holiday. This might annoy … Read More
The wet August may not be ideal summer weather, but it ensures a cracking start to Autumn foraging with the warm, damp conditions setting the stage for a bumper start to the mushroom season. At the same time, we have some fantastic wild fruits available. The first of the cèpes … Read More
It’s pouring with rain and freezing outside, but at least the first of this year’s mushrooms are appreciating the moisture. The St George’s mushrooms traditionally appear around St George’s Day and although they are a little late this year due to the early dry, summery conditions, you can be assured … Read More