Produce Briefs...
Fingerling Russian Banana Potatoes
Although very petit in size, fingerlings are fully mature when harvested, thus they should not to be confused with new potatoes, potatoes that are harvested when immature.
White Corn
White corn is a sweet corn variety. Its ears are wrapped in tightly layered pale lime green to white husks. One ear of corn can contain up to 400 kernels growing in rows lengthwise.
Seasons/Availability
Cauliflower mushrooms are available in the fall.
Current Facts
The cauliflower mushroom has collected many scientific names: Sparassis, S. spathulata, S. radicata, S. crispa and S. herbstii, though it is only one mushroom. This particular specimen is Sparassis radicata. It is a wild edible mushroom of the Sparassidaceae family. It is unique to other family members, though its common features will continue to allow it to be classified as other mushrooms in field guides and throughout mycophagyl literature. In addition to appearance, these mushrooms are bound by their common growing regions and their deep rooted central stalks.
Description/Taste
The cauliflower mushroom is a large, capless mushroom composed of clusters of frilled, leaf-like branches emerging from a joined base. Its appearance resembles a coral reef, though its name suggests it looks like a head of cauliflower. Its surface and flesh color are both ivory white to pale cream. The texture is crunchy and firm, though brittle to the touch and must be handled carefully. The mushroom gives off deep aromas of musk and earth. The flavor is mild with notes of fennel and almond. The older, more mature specimens can become quite tough and bitter tasting. The largest mushrooms can weigh up to one pound. The sign of an aging heavy mushroom are droopy browning branches; these should be avoided.
Applications
The cauliflower is subject to infestation and must be carefully cleaned before cooking. Cut into florettes, batter or saute. Leave whole, then dredge in tempura batter or breading and fry. Pair with rice, asparagus, eggplant and fresh sorrel. To store, keep unwashed mushrooms refrigerated in a paper bag or between damp paper towels. For best quality and texture, use within one week.
Geography/History
The cauliflower mushroom can be found growing on the roots or base of conifer trees, specifically Douglass Fir and Bishop Pine trees. Trees that have been infected will produce clusters year after year if the fruiting bodies are harvested properly. Fruits develop on the trees in the Fall, depending on region. In North America the cauliflower mushroom can be found growing along the West Coast in northern California up to British Columbia. They have also been found growing in Tennessee and Georgia.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Cauliflower Mushrooms. One
is easiest, three is harder.
Cauliflower mushrooms are available in the fall.
Current Facts
The cauliflower mushroom has collected many scientific names: Sparassis, S. spathulata, S. radicata, S. crispa and S. herbstii, though it is only one mushroom. This particular specimen is Sparassis radicata. It is a wild edible mushroom of the Sparassidaceae family. It is unique to other family members, though its common features will continue to allow it to be classified as other mushrooms in field guides and throughout mycophagyl literature. In addition to appearance, these mushrooms are bound by their common growing regions and their deep rooted central stalks.
Description/Taste
The cauliflower mushroom is a large, capless mushroom composed of clusters of frilled, leaf-like branches emerging from a joined base. Its appearance resembles a coral reef, though its name suggests it looks like a head of cauliflower. Its surface and flesh color are both ivory white to pale cream. The texture is crunchy and firm, though brittle to the touch and must be handled carefully. The mushroom gives off deep aromas of musk and earth. The flavor is mild with notes of fennel and almond. The older, more mature specimens can become quite tough and bitter tasting. The largest mushrooms can weigh up to one pound. The sign of an aging heavy mushroom are droopy browning branches; these should be avoided.
Applications
The cauliflower is subject to infestation and must be carefully cleaned before cooking. Cut into florettes, batter or saute. Leave whole, then dredge in tempura batter or breading and fry. Pair with rice, asparagus, eggplant and fresh sorrel. To store, keep unwashed mushrooms refrigerated in a paper bag or between damp paper towels. For best quality and texture, use within one week.
Geography/History
The cauliflower mushroom can be found growing on the roots or base of conifer trees, specifically Douglass Fir and Bishop Pine trees. Trees that have been infected will produce clusters year after year if the fruiting bodies are harvested properly. Fruits develop on the trees in the Fall, depending on region. In North America the cauliflower mushroom can be found growing along the West Coast in northern California up to British Columbia. They have also been found growing in Tennessee and Georgia.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Cauliflower Mushrooms. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Lucy's Kitchen Notebook |
|
Fumet de Mushroom |
| Hunter Gather Cook |
|
Pan Fried Cauliflower Mushrooms with Sorrel |
