A whole lot of research: Discovering Edible Fungi

Introduction

Foraging can be an exhilarating adventure, blending the thrill of exploration with the joy of discovering nature's hidden treasures. I ventured into the lush trails of Margaret River, an area renowned for its diverse flora and scenic beauty. Little did I know that this journey would lead me to my first encounter with edible fungi. Join me as I recount this exciting foraging experience!

Setting the Scene: Margaret River Trails

Margaret River, located in the southwestern corner of Western Australia, is celebrated for its stunning landscapes, from dense forests to picturesque coastlines. The trails here offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and biodiversity, making it an ideal location for foraging enthusiasts. The weather was mild, with the forest floor rich from recent rains—ideal conditions for fungi to thrive.

Slippery Jacks can often be found in large 'fairy rings'.

The Thrill of Discovery: Slippery Jacks

My foraging journey began with the slippery jack, a fascinating mushroom known for its unique texture and taste. Slippery jacks are easily identifiable by their yellow to brown cap, which is often sticky or slimy when wet. Their distinctive feature is the sponge-like pores on the underside of the cap, which differ from the gills found in many other mushrooms.

I was fortunate to come across a ring of these fungi. As I carefully harvested them, I marveled at their glossy appearance and distinctive scent. Slippery jacks have a mild, nutty flavour that becomes more pronounced when cooked. I was eager to bring them home and experiment with some recipes!

Cooking and Tasting: A Culinary Triumph

Once back at home, I couldn’t wait to cook with my foraged fungi. After some research I decided to prepare my haul two ways; First I did a simple sauté to best showcase the unique flavors of the slippery jacks, and secondly, I sliced the mushrooms fine and dehydrated until they were golden brown, I then jarred them for later use in soups and stocks.

Slippery Jacks- Skin removed, sliced and ready to be dehydrated for soups and stocks.

Conclusion

Foraging in Margaret River proved to be a memorable and rewarding experience. Discovering and cooking with slippery jacks as a fantastic introduction to the world of edible fungi. The natural beauty of the trails combined with the thrill of foraging made this adventure truly special. If you’re ever in the area, I highly recommend exploring the local trails and trying your hand at foraging—just be sure to do so with proper knowledge and guidance to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Happy foraging! 🌿🍄