Edible Wild Mushrooms of North America: A Field-to-kitchen Guide - Softcover

David W. Fischer; Alan E. Bessette

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0292720807 ISBN 13: 9780292720800

Publisher: University of Texas Press, 1992

Synopsis

Unusual shapes and colors make many mushrooms alluring to the eye, while the exotic flavors and textures of edible mushrooms are a gourmet delicacy for the palate. Yet many people never venture beyond the supermarket offerings, fearing that all other mushrooms are poisonous.

With amateur mushroom hunters especially in mind, David Fischer and Alan Bessette have prepared Edible Wild Mushrooms of North America. This field guide presents more than 100 species of the most delicious mushrooms, along with detailed information on how to find, gather, store, and prepare them for the table. More than 70 savory recipes, ranging from soups and salads to casseroles, canapes, quiches, and even a dessert, are included.

Throughout, the authors constantly emphasize the need for correct identification of species for safe eating. Each species is described in detailed, nontechnical language, accompanied by a list of key identifying characteristics that reliably rule out all but the target species. Superb color photographs also aid in identification. Poisonous "lookalikes" are described and illustrated, and the authors also assess the risks of allergic or idiosyncratic reactions to edible species and the possibilities of chemical or bacterial contamination.

About this title

About the Author:

Alan E. Bessette is a mycologist and distinguished emeritus Professor of Biology from Utica College of Syracuse University. He has published numerous professional papers in the field of mycology and has authored more than twenty books.

Review:

"Some new mushroomers will find this single volume all the library they need to harvest and enjoy wild mushrooms for the table." (Mushroom the Journal)

"The publication is of excellent quality and print, well edited, authoritative, and provides an excellent introduction to edible and poisonous wild mushrooms." (Mycologia)

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Texas Press
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0292720807
• ISBN 13: 9780292720800
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 264