Friday 18 October 2013

The Wonderful Parasol.





The Parasol mushroom is one of the very best eating mushrooms. Unfortunately many people just kick at them, and refer to them as 'toadstools'.

They are also one of the most easily recognisable varieties; they are huge. If you're a débutante amateur mycologist it's worth making a close study of them; this is certainly the baby to kick-off with.

Try to find them still not fully opened, chuck the stem, and fry gently in Olive oil and Butter (don't add garlic). Torn into bits, they make a great omelet.

Monty, as you can see above, is not in the slightest bit interested in mushrooms.

                                                  

This watercolour of a Parasol is by Lady Magnon. Nice work.


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23 comments:

  1. That photo is phenomenal. Seriously! The colour, the depth of the field.. it's almost eerie. I have a sister-in-law who delights in kicking mushrooms over, wench that she is. I actually don't like eating shrooms but I would never purposefully do them in for no reason.

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    1. My photography (probably like most people's) is 99% luck. I must say, I thought this one was rather nice too!

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  2. Love the watercolour and the photograph ....... what a pretty mushroom ..... I don't think that I've ever seen a Parasol mushroom before and we often go out for walks in the woods ..... I shall now look out for one. Blogging is not only good for ' meeting ' lovely people but, you learn something new everyday !! XXXX

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  3. A grand image of a superb meal.

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  4. Wonderful water colour Lady M, congratulations!

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  5. Fantastic photo and painting.

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  6. I always thought I would like to be a botanical artist when I grow up. Great watercolour Lady Magnon.

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  7. Not to be confused with the equally wonderful (for different reasons) Death Cap, when young...

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    1. The Death Cap tends to be brownish on top, and is not 'shaggy' like the Parasol. But I always heed your words; one should never eat any mushroom unless 100% sure that you know what you're doing.

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  8. Your photo has an air of magic to it, very nice. And the watercolor is equally fantastic.

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  9. That is a lovely watercolour..but...I'm with Monty. No fungus for me thanks.

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  10. The area in which you live seems to be a fungus-hunters paradise. Congratulate Lady M on her artistic ability for me. p.s. how come you don't visit me any more (she says sadly).

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  11. I always used to visit your 'A woman of the soil' page, but didn't you stop it? I shall delve.

    Yes we have the 3 essentials for mushrooming. Heat, damp, and oak/chestnut woods all around.

    I will pass on your message. Thank you on her behalf.

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  12. Like everybody else, I am in awe of that beautiful picture of a simple mushroom. Lady M's artwork is also lovely.

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  13. Just yesterday I was walking through our yard and noticing some mushrooms, which I love but am afraid to wild harvest, when I muttered "I wish Cro were here, he'd tell me if it were safe or not" And so with no Cro, I left it for the pigs. Who are still alive today I am happy to report.

    And the watercolor? Amazing.

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  14. Lady M is quite the talent, please tell her I said so. Close studies of botanical specimens are a great love of mine and have many hanging in my library. I really need to indulge in good camera equipment so I may someday be a competitor to your ability. That is a gorgeous photo Cro.

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  15. Love Lady M's watercolour! Have never tasted the parasol but I did notivce a large box of 'mixed mushrooms' in our Deli today - it was £8, which I thought would make a rather pricey omelette.

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  16. That photo...wow! Lady M's watercolor...double wow! Beautiful.

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  17. I love both the photo and watercolour. I'm with Donna on this one, i'm not sure of what i see, either, although i did note that there's a mushroom talk offered one evening where a mycologist may enlighten me.

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  18. Yummy! And a beautiful watercolour.

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