Porcelain Fungus Mushroom

Porcelain Fungus: A Shining Star of the Mushroom World

Porcelain fungus, also known as porcelain caps or Beechwood Sickener (Oudemansiella mucida), is one of the most visually striking mushrooms you’ll find in the wild. Its translucent, shiny white caps look as though they’ve been dipped in liquid porcelain, giving this fungus its elegant name. Found growing on decaying beechwood, it’s a lesser-known edible mushroom with a mild, delicate flavour that works beautifully in a range of dishes.

We’re about to explore the allure of porcelain fungus, tips for foraging it safely, and a simple recipe to showcase its unique qualities - so sit tight!

What is Porcelain Fungus?

Porcelain fungus is a wood-rotting mushroom native to Europe, often spotted in autumn on decaying beech trees. Its glistening cap, smooth white gills, and slender stem make it a favorite for foragers seeking edible mushrooms that are as beautiful as they are tasty.

Identifying Porcelain Fungus

  • Cap: Smooth, shiny, and slimy when wet; typically 2–8 cm in diameter.
  • Gills: White, widely spaced, and attached to the stem.
  • Stem: Thin, white, and often adorned with a small ring.
  • Habitat: Found exclusively on beech trees, often in clusters.

Is Porcelain Fungus Edible?

Yes, porcelain fungus is edible, but with an important caveat: the slimy coating on the cap can cause digestive upset in some people. This can be remedied by peeling off the outer layer before cooking. Once prepared, the fungus has a mild flavour that absorbs seasonings beautifully.

Foraging Tips for Porcelain Fungus

  1. Look on Beech Trees: Porcelain fungus only grows on dead or decaying beechwood, making it easier to identify.
  2. Check the Caps: Ensure the mushrooms have the characteristic slimy, shiny cap.
  3. Remove the Slime: Peel off the slimy coating before consuming.
  4. Be Safe: As with all wild mushrooms, confirm your identification with a mushroom guide or an expert forager to avoid mistaking it for inedible or toxic species.

Cooking with Porcelain Fungus

With its tender texture and mild taste, porcelain fungus works well in simple dishes that highlight its natural qualities. Below is a recipe that brings out its best:

Recipe: Porcelain Fungus Risotto

This creamy, comforting risotto pairs the delicate flavour of porcelain fungus with aromatic herbs and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients:

  • 200g fresh porcelain mushrooms (cleaned and peeled)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (tallow or duck fat make good wild subs)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (or try some wild garlic!)
  • 200g Arborio rice
  • 100ml white wine (optional)
  • 750ml vegetable stock, warmed
  • 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste (or some ground alexanders seed)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Mushrooms:
    Peel the slimy coating off the caps of the mushrooms. Slice them into thin strips and set aside.

  2. Cook the Mushrooms:
    Heat olive oil or butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for 3–4 minutes until tender. Remove and set aside.

  3. Sauté the Aromatics:
    In the same pan, add a little more oil or butter. Sauté the onion until translucent, then add the garlic and cook for another minute.

  4. Toast the Rice:
    Stir in the Arborio rice, coating it in the oil and letting it toast for 1–2 minutes.

  5. Deglaze with Wine:
    If using, pour in the white wine and stir until absorbed.

  6. Add Stock Gradually:
    Begin adding the warm vegetable stock one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. Allow each ladleful to be absorbed before adding the next. This process takes about 20 minutes.

  7. Add the Mushrooms:
    When the rice is creamy and al dente, stir the cooked porcelain mushrooms back into the risotto.

  8. Finish the Dish:
    Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  9. Serve:
    Plate the risotto while hot and garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan if desired.

Why Try Porcelain Fungus?

Cooking with porcelain fungus is a delightful way to connect with nature and elevate your culinary repertoire. Its subtle flavour and ethereal appearance make it a unique addition to any dish, and the experience of foraging for this stunning mushroom adds a layer of storytelling to your meal.

So, the next time you’re exploring a beechwood forest, keep an eye out for this hidden gem of the fungal world. Whether you’re making risotto, soup, or a simple sauté, porcelain fungus brings the magic of the wild to your plate.

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