We went foraging for the first time for mushrooms this October. It was a perfect option for us. Loving mushrooms, but not feeling confident to pick our own other than the classic puffball which grows round here.
We met Justin when he was selling wild mushrooms at Kirkbymoorside market. And then saw him advertising a foraging session from Hutton le Hole, just down the road from us. So, on an impulse, we booked a Sunday afternoon session with him.
Spending time looking for mushrooms was the most relaxing way to spend a couple of hours in the countryside. It’s amazing what your eye “tunes” into when looking down for mushrooms. And surprising where they grow. We found some of the best mushrooms growing on grass verges between Hutton Le Hole and Rosedale, many visible from the car. As well as some great ones growing in local woods. Beech, Oak and Birch woods are the best for fungal variety.
With Justin’s expertise, we discovered twelve varieties of edible mushrooms on our doorstep. Including the elusive and delicious penny bun mushroom, also known as the porcini in Italy, or Cep in France. It’s called a Penny Bun as it’s cap looks like a little loaf of bread.
All the photographs above are of edible mushrooms. Apart from the red one with white spots which looks like it it straight out of a Disney movie.
The main mushroom season runs from September to late November, with the mushroom varieties changing during this time. We plan another couple of sessions with Justin to get our eye in and start to forage on our own. Our goal is to be able to easily identity a few edible varieties that grow around Appleton.
So, if you are thinking of visiting the Long Barn during these months, let us know and we’ll connect you in with Justin.
Who knows, you may find more of the elusive Penny Bun. And hopefully, like us, will come home with a basket full of delicious mushrooms to cook at the Long Barn.
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