Mushroom or Toadstool ???

[Tinkie_Bear]

I hope that somebody can tell me what type of mushroom / toadstool this is, there are loads growing on the playng field behind my house.

They smell lovely and I would like to eat them but don't know if it is safe.  This is the biggest one there was, from top to bottom it is about 4"

If one of you clever people could enlighten me that would be great.

Thanks

Helen

[Tinkie_Bear]

[Robert_Brenchley]

That looks like Coprinus comatus, the Shaggy cap or Lawyer's Wig. It's supposed to be edible, but I've never tried it. The sight of them dissolving into ink is a little off-putting.

[ksia]

Yes, I agree it looks like the Shaggy Ink cap. It does get a bit slimy when cooked. I can't say it's my favourite but others do like them.

They 'go over' quickly so pick when you see them looking good and don't wait till the next day.

You're not meant to have alcohol before/with/or after then as you can have bad side effects - not sure what kind but best avoided!

For reassurance on the identification check out

http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/

they may also be a recipe there for how to best use them

[ice]

That's definately the Shaggy Inkcap. I picked a decent load today and have eaten them before. The alcohol warning actually applies to the Common Inkcap, not the Shaggy Inkcap.

They degrade very soon after picking- it's best to pick them before the cap has separated from the 'stem'. Either cook them quickly e.g. serve on toast or in an omlette or do what I did today- simmer them gently with a little olive oil, then blend and freeze in an ice tray. Great for adding to stocks and soups, as the flavour has been concentrated.
As for the taste, I find it hard to describe but a little like oyster mushrooms with hint of salt,lemon and flour

[Robert_Brenchley]

Antabuse, which makes you ill if you drink alcohol, is identical with a substance found in Coprinus atramentarius. As far as I know that's the only fungus you can't mix with anything to make your heart glad.

[Tinkie_Bear]

Thank you for your help, what a brilliant website Rogers Mushrooms is, I will be using that for all my fungus finds :-)

I will pick and eat some and report back.

Thanks again

Helen