The UK is home to numerous varieties of mushrooms and many of them are prized ingredients in local cuisine. From the rich, delicate chanterelles with their golden hues to the robust porcinis, British fungi offer an extensive range of savory mushrooms that you can find in woodlands, meadows, or even city environments.
This diversity not only contributes to the culinary landscape but also reflects the ecological health of different habitats. As interest in wild food and sustainable practices grows, the appreciation for edible mushrooms in the UK extends beyond the kitchen, incorporating ecological and cultural dimensions.
However, caution is advised, as foraging requires proper knowledge to distinguish between edible and toxic varieties. You’ll need to be 100% sure of the mushrooms when harvesting and consuming them. Fret not, we’re here to help. In this blog post, we’ll look at the common mushrooms found in the UK, how to identify them, and the yummiest ways to prepare them!
The Fascinating World of Mushrooms in the UK
Mushrooms, the fruiting bodies of fungi, exhibit an astonishing array of shapes, sizes, and colors. While the umbrella-like cap and stem structure are typical, variations exist with distinct characteristics like intricate gills, spore-bearing surfaces, and distinct odors.
Fungi are a vital part of the ecosystem, acting as decomposers, breaking down organic matter such as trees and logs, and recycling nutrients back into the soil. The seasonality of mushrooms depends on the species but most mushrooms like the damp, cool weather of autumn when the soil is rich and temperatures favorable for growth.
Autumn is also when most of the common edible mushrooms like the Ruby and Bay Bolete, Jelly Ears, and Chanterelles flourish. It would be a good time to grab a basket and go for a hike in the woods to harvest your next meal!
How to Identify Edible Mushrooms
Correctly mushroom identification is critical and there should be no room for error. If you’re new to foraging, try heading out with an expert or mycologist before venturing out on your own.
Also, note the habitat of the species that you’re going to harvest. Different mushrooms thrive in specific environments and on particular substrates. Pay attention to whether they grow on wood, soil, decaying matter, or in forests and meadows.
You can use resources like the UK Mushroom Foraging Guide, a Foraging Pocket Guide, or any app that can accurately help you identify the fungi. If you aren’t 100% sure of the species, do not consume the mushroom. Some species like the False Chanterelle or Jack O’ Lantern look similar to the edible Chanterelle but they can make you unwell if you consume them.
Double-check the mushroom’s identity using multiple resources to reduce the likelihood of errors and consult with experienced foragers who are familiar with your region’s mushrooms.
10 Edible Mushrooms Found in the UK
Ready to do some foraging? Wild mushrooms always seem to taste better than cultivated ones!
Penny Bun (Boletus edulis)
Boletus mushrooms comprise of over 100 species, but one of the most common is the Edulis, also called the Cep or Porcini. It has a distinctive dark brown, slightly sticky cap and a thick, white stem. The underside of the cap has a spongy texture instead of the usual gills.
Boletus edulis are found in woodlands often under pine, spruce, or oak trees. These hardy mushrooms are known for their rich flavor and taste great in risottos, stews, soups, or simply fried in butter.
Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius)
Chanterelles are golden-yellow with caps that range between 3 to 8 centimeters. They have funnel-shaped, wavy, irregular caps and thick, vein-like gills running down the stem. These mushrooms are commonly found in mossy, damp environments like deciduous and coniferous forests.
Typically appearing in late summer to early autumn, Chanterelles are a seasonal delicacy, and their peppery, nutty taste is best enjoyed sautéed in butter.
Exercise caution when harvesting chanterelles, as mentioned earlier, the False Chanterelle and Jack O’ Lantern are look-alikes that can make you sick.
Morel (Morchella spp.)
Morels, belonging to the Morchella genus, have a distinctive honeycomb cap with a pitted and ridged surface. Colors of Morels vary and can include shades of tan, yellow, brown, or black. One of the defining features of Morels is their hollow interior. Unlike many other mushrooms, they are not solid throughout.
They are found in woodland areas and particularly like ash, elm, and sycamore trees. Morels are primarily a springtime mushroom, typically emerging in April or May. The exact timing depends on geographical location, temperature, and local environmental conditions.
Prized by chefs and foragers alike, Morels are esteemed for their robust flavor. They are often sautéed, fried, or used in various gourmet dishes like a side dish to meat or poultry. Their earthy and nutty taste adds depth to a range of culinary creations, and their short-lived appearance contribute to the allure of these unique mushrooms.
Puffball (Lycoperdon perlatum)
Puffballs are little round, white mushrooms which turn yellow, then brown, as they mature. Their caps are often smooth but as they mature, the outer surface turns spiky or spore-covered.
They have a distinctive spongy texture and are found in grasslands, gardens, and on heaths. Unlike many mushrooms, Puffballs do not have gills. Instead, they contain a mass of spores inside. The spores are released when the mushroom reaches maturity.
Puffballs vary in size, with some smaller specimens resembling golf balls, while larger ones can reach the size of a grapefruit. As they mature, a pore opens at the top of the mushroom, and when pressure is applied to the mature Puffball, a cloud of spores is released, resembling a puff of smoke, which is where they get their name!
Young Puffballs with white interiors can be sliced, fried, or added to dishes. However, mature Puffballs are inedible so exercise caution when harvesting.
Parasol Mushroom (Macrolepiota procera)
Parasols have a distinctive umbrella-shaped cap which gives the mushroom its name. The stem is tall and slender, measuring 15 to 30 cm in height and has a double-edged ring that moves up and down.
The cap is about 10 to 25 cm wide, has a pattern of scales, and can have markings. Parasols are often found in fields, grassy areas, and meadows. They like open spaces and nutrient-rich soil, often appearing in late summer or early autumn.
While the stalk is too tough to eat, the cap can be breaded, fried, or used in soups and stews.
Field Mushroom (Agaricus campestris)
The field mushroom looks like the common button mushrooms that you find in grocery stores. It has a white cap that is initially egg-shaped and expands into a convex or flat shape as it matures, ranging from 5 to 10 cm.
The gills start as pink but slowly turn brown as the mushroom matures, and the stem is solid and measures 5 to 10 cm in height.
True to its name, the Field Mushroom is commonly found in grassy areas, meadows, and lawns. They are versatile mushrooms that can be used in many dishes like soups, stews, stir-fries, or simply sautéed in butter.
Wood Blewit (Lepista nuda)
The cap of the Wood Blewit is broad, ranging from 5 to 15 cm in diameter with varying colors from lilac, violet, or pale lavender. The stem is often off-center or eccentric, sometimes swollen at the base. It is fibrous and firm, typically white or tinged with lilac.
These mushrooms are found in woodlands and grasslands, especially in leaf litter. They have to be cooked well before consumption and taste awesome in soups and stews.
Hedgehog Mushroom (Hydnum repandum)
The cap of the Hedgehog Mushroom is typically orange to yellow-brown and varies in diameter from 5 to 15 cm, ranging from flat to funnel-shaped with spiky, tooth-like gills.
Hedgehog mushrooms are found in both deciduous and coniferous forests, especially near spruce, pine, birch, and beech trees. These mushrooms have a nutty taste and firm texture and are suitable for many culinary applications such as sauteing, grilling, or simply adding them to dishes.
Giant Puffball (Calvatia gigantea)
The Giant Puffball is one of the largest mushrooms, with some ranging from the size of a soccer ball to even larger, sometimes exceeding 50 cm in diameter.
These impressive mushrooms are often found in grassy areas, meadows, and open woodlands, either alone or in small clusters. They should be harvested and prepared when the flesh is white and firm, and they taste great when sliced, fried, sauteed, or baked.
Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus)
Chicken of the woods is a distinctive bright orange mushroom with a shelf-like, overlapping growth pattern on wood. They can be found on dead or dying trees or tree stumps, especially on oak.
This mushroom has a meaty texture and is often referred to as tasting like chicken, hence the name. They can be used as a meat substitute in many dishes, or simply sautéed and snacked on. Chicken of the woods has to be cooked thoroughly before eating, and many also boil it before frying.
Final Thoughts on Edible Mushrooms in the UK
Before you grab a basket and head out for a hike, remember that it is crucial to properly identify each edible species and make sure you are 100% accurate before consuming them.
Also, note the laws on mushroom foraging in your area, as many regions have their own sustainable practices and legalities. For example, in the UK, foraging for personal use is generally permitted but it is illegal to pick some rare or protected species. Be sure to consult local resources and check with experienced foragers on the regulations.
Use guides and resources that you can find online or through a pocketbook, and you can also think about taking foraging courses to gain some valuable experience.
Edible Mushrooms in the UK: FAQs
What are some popular edible mushrooms found in the UK?
Some popular edible mushrooms found in the UK are Bay and Ruby Boletes, Jelly Ears, Field Mushrooms, Hedgehog Mushrooms, Chanterelles, and Morels.
How can I ensure the mushrooms I forage are safe to eat?
It is crucial to use multiple sources to properly identify the mushroom. Understand the mushroom anatomy and look at the stem, gills, and gap. Consider the habitat and seasonality and use a resource like the UK Mushroom Foraging Guide to help you accurately identify the species.
Where can I learn more about mushroom foraging in the UK?
Wild Food UK has foraging courses and guides like the Mushroom Foraging Guide and Foraging Pocket Guide.
What are some tips for sustainable mushroom foraging?
Understand and respect the ecosystem and only take what you use for yourself. Don’t overharvest and always adhere to local foraging laws and practices. If you are harvesting on private land, be sure to obtain permission first, and respect any protected or conservation areas.
Are there any risks associated with mushroom foraging?
Yes, incorrect identification of mushroom species can lead to severe consequences. Inedible or poisonous mushrooms can make you seriously sick, so be sure to read reliable resources or sign up for a foraging course to get started.
Also have a compass with you at all times and be sure you know your way out of the forest. Loads of mushroom pickers get lost each year, even the experienced ones!