Shaggy Manes

I was lucky enough to find some Shaggy Mane mushrooms the other day. This is a rare treat. I have only come across them three times in all the foraging I have done here on the farm.

Shaggy Manes are one of those mushrooms that are very distinctive. They almost look fuzzy from the way the outer skin of the cap ravels as it grows. While they are in the closed stage they are prime although even after the cap opens and the inside gills turn dark they are still flavorful.

The biggest problem with Shaggy Mane mushrooms are the fact that they do not keep well so you will not find them going to markets. A State Forester once told me that Shaggy Manes need to be cooked immediately as in having a hot skillet right there as you pick them.

I didn’t cook them in the field, but within twenty minutes of picking had them sauteed in butter and atop a juicy cheeseburger.