When the sought-after Blue-Greens of Chlorociboria show up and match your boots, you’re on to Something.
Happy TDay ‘20. With the hope this post finds you and your family well, there being a bit of a different feel to the Holiday this year, we helped organize and enjoyed a great little Thanksgiving forage last night. Lead by Anthony Michael Blowers, the wild stories and snacks once again did not disappoint, as it’s amazing to take in Anthony’s knowledge and share in the sense of discovery. I like to say he walks his talk, and its a privilege to join. Speaking of, pictured above is our find of Chlorociboria, or the Green-staining fungus, which afterward prompted an article sent on how 14-15th century Italian Renaissance craftsman prized the pigmented wood for their inlaid intarsia designs. And the TDay treats! From Candied Cap Mushroom / Red Oak Acorn Cookies to absolutely otherworldly candy-frosted Black Trumpet Mushrooms to more savory snacks like Hen of The Woods Jerky, his leaning to the culinary side of mushrooms was a pleasure as always for participants palates.
It’s a ‘treat’ to eat Anthony’s culinary creations but better when coupled with his tales, a living guidebook to wild edibles. Acorns were an interesting focus this time, that nut of the Oak Tree and their close relatives. Containing a single seed and enclosed in a tough, leathery shell then borne in a cup-shaped cupule, we learned of the very cool, very primitive processing of acorns by Native Americans, putting them in baskets and letting cold rushing river water do its work. Talk of a ‘Mast’ Year, a term used by arborists for a time of an abundant harvest, is a great example of the wonderful ideas and understanding acquired at these workshops. There was also talk of shucking and schluffing acorns, which was fun.
After a stormy start that had us inside then heading out — although it was noted that rain can be a great foraging catalyst — we entered into the Kingdom of Fungi, both figuratively and literally. Mycology is an exciting, expanding frontier currently, as we study and learn the way the amazing Mycelium of mushrooms communicates and branches out, an organism that stretches over acres. amazing agents of nature’s connectivity. “Technically, mushrooms have been found to be not only the largest but also the fastest moving in all of nature” we were informed, the microscopic spore-throwing movement of Hat Throwing Fungus found to rival the speed of a cheetah streaking the African grassland. And we all enjoyed the magic smoke that arose from a spirited pat down of mini puffballs as well as a siting of slime mold, another dynamic organism that can also move and forward itself at an incredible clip.
Engaging discussion around the fire and talks in the woods were again perfectly interspersed, unique finds with equally extraordinary foods, a perfect example being the talk on Conifers’ edibility in teas, ice cream and other recipes leading to a true taste of Spruce-tip infused whip cream, all on a home-crafted Pumpkin Pie. Look for an equally amazing Holiday gathering with Anthony in the works for December in addition the last of our 2020 classes and retreat offerings, with a focus on the red and white Christmas connection and lore of Amanita Muscaria, with a tie to reindeer, Shamanism, Healing, and always, Great Eats. Until then, Happy Thanksgiving All!