Dryad's Saddle, by Kira

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are a mushroom hunter, forager or just like to get out and explore the forest you have probably come across this mushroom.

It is called Dryad's Saddle and is also known as pheasant's back.

Dryad's Saddle is often overlooked while hunting for the more popular Morels. These mushrooms are edible and very tasty!

If you are out collecting these juicy mushrooms it is best to take the younger ones, small to medium size.

Smaller specimens are still moist and tender and not dry and darkening.

These mushrooms smell of lemons and cucumbers.

When they are cooked they lose some of that fresh aroma and smell more like a typical mushroom.

Their odour and meatiness help to identify these while out in the bush.

Be careful not to overcook Dryad's saddle or will become chewy.

Properly prepared the texture is very meaty.

So if you are out searching for morels don't overlook these gems.

They are one of my favourites!

 

 

 

 

 

Morels! by Kira

I found them! I finally found them!

Morels, delicious morels.

The kids and I were heading out back to harvest some more asparagus and that is when I spotted them.

We have a wonderful property and I would have to say my favourite part is the old hardwood forest. This is where I find most treasures.

Our hardwood forest mostly consists of maple, beech, ash, birch and poplar.

I found these black morels at the base of a dead ash, which is a common place to find them.

I was so excited, and gasped so loudly I frighted Both Auren and Fern.

They both thought I had spotted a bear.

The kids were a great help hunting. They were crawling around the forest floor searching and when another was spotted it was followed by a squeal!

With yesterday's rain and the warm weather moving in, you know where you will find me and the kids in the morning.

Out hunting for morels!

 

Hunting Asparagus, by Kira.