5 Common Mushrooms In Idaho
Although Idaho is not commonly thought of as a hotbed for mushrooms, there are actually several types of mushrooms that can be found in the state.
Here are five of the most common mushrooms found in Idaho.
[Related Article: 13 Common Mushrooms In Illinois]
1. Morels
Morels are a common type of mushroom found in Idaho. They have a distinctive shape, with a long, hollow stem and a spongy cap. Morels are dark brown or black in color, and have a slightly hairy surface.
Morels are an important food source for many animals, including humans. The mushrooms are high in protein and nutrients, and can be cooked in many different ways. Morels can be found fresh or dried, and are often used in soups, stews, and casseroles.
Morels are relatively easy to identify, but there are a few look-alikes that can be dangerous if eaten. If you’re not sure whether a mushroom is a morel or not, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid eating it.
2. King Bolete
The King Bolete is a common mushroom found in Idaho. This type of mushroom is characterized by its large size and its brown cap. The King Bolete typically grows in damp, shady areas and is often found near streams or rivers.
This mushroom is edible, but it should be cooked before eating because raw King Boletes can cause stomach upset. When cooking this mushroom, it is important to remove the stem because it is quite tough.
The King Bolete can be prepared in many different ways, including being sauteed, grilled, or used in soups or stews.
3. Chanterelles
Chanterelles are a type of mushroom that is common in Idaho. These mushrooms have a distinct shape, with a curved cap and a stem that curls inward. Chanterelles are usually yellow or orange, but can also be white or brown.
These mushrooms grow in damp, shady areas. You’re likely to find them near streams or in woods with lots of trees.
Chanterelles are one of the few edible mushrooms that you can easily find in the wild.
If you’re planning on eating chanterelles, it’s important to cook them first. Raw chanterelles can cause stomach upset. These mushrooms can be sauteed, grilled, or roasted. They make a great addition to any dish, and their flavor is similar to apricots or peaches.
Chanterelles are a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet. But before you go out hunting for them, make sure you know how to identify them correctly.
There are many poisonous mushrooms that look similar to chanterelles, so it’s important to be able to tell the difference.
4. Milk Mushroom
The Milk Mushroom is a common mushroom found in Idaho. It gets its name from the fact that it is white in color and resembles milk. This mushroom is edible, but should not be eaten raw because it can cause stomach upset.
When cooked, the Milk Mushroom has a mild flavor and can be used in many dishes.
5. Shaggy Manes
One of the most common mushrooms found in Idaho is the shaggy mane. This mushroom gets its name from its shaggy, brown cap that resembles a mane of hair.
The shaggy mane is an edible mushroom, but it should be cooked before eating as it can cause stomach upset if eaten raw. This mushroom can be found growing on lawns, in wooded areas, and even on roadsides.
The shaggy mane is a member of the Coprinus genus of mushrooms, which contains over 300 different species. This genus is characterized by mushrooms that have black spore prints and gills that dissolve into a black liquid when they mature.
The shaggy mane is just one of many edible mushrooms in this genus, others include the inky cap and the oyster mushroom.
While the shaggy mane is edible, it’s not necessarily the best tasting mushroom out there. Many people say that it has a bland or slightly unpleasant flavor.
However, when cooked properly this mushroom can make a delicious addition to soups, stews, and other dishes. So if you’re looking for a new ingredient to add to your cooking repertoire, why not give the shaggy mane a try?
Conclusion
I have listed some of the most common mushrooms found in Idaho in this blog post. These mushrooms are easy to find and are great for beginner foragers.
I hope this post has been helpful in identifying some of the mushrooms you may find on your next foraging adventure. Be sure to check with a local expert before consuming any wild mushrooms, as some can be poisonous. Have fun and stay safe!
