Cepes (Boletus edulis) may not always look too wonderful, but they are probably the world's most delicious, and sought-after, mushroom.
Unfortunately slugs find them as tasty as we do, and the caps are often part eaten away (this doesn't deter the avid gastronome). Once trimmed and wiped with a damp sponge, they are perfectly good to eat.
I should add that if you were to buy Cepes at a market, or specialist store, you could pay anything up to 60 Euros a kilo; but they would probably be a lot better quality (not taste) than mine above.
On my Facebook page I keep seeing photographs of huge present harvests around my French village. I think we ate just these few (above) this year; Oh how I would love to be there now.
Supermarket mushrooms just don't compare.
ReplyDeleteNo comparison. I actually made a Mushroom omelet recently with some shop-bought Mushrooms, and it was tasteless.
DeleteI guess I have lived a sheltered life as I have never eaten a cepe. However, I have eaten porcini mushrooms.
ReplyDeleteVery different. Cepes are Bolitus Edulis, and Porcini are Bolitus edulis!
DeleteMushrooms are not my go to, probably because the supermarket ones just don't have any flavour. I find I have to add butter and garlic when frying them which does make them pretty delicious ! I don't think that I have ever eaten a freshly plucked mushroom .... it must be a completely different experience. XXXX
ReplyDeleteOur two main wild mushrooms in France are Girolles and Cepes; both of which make really delicious omelets. Once eaten; nothing else compares!
DeleteAll of the years you were in France, and you don't have permanent residence status?
ReplyDeleteWe did until Brexit, then it all changed. Now we have to apply for residency again, and for various reasons I don't wish to. We're happy now to visit for just 3 months each year.
DeleteI remember the taste of fresh picked field mushrooms from my childhood. So much flavour and a wonderful smell when they were cooked.
ReplyDeleteI'd love a French cepe omelette
A Cepe omelet is so good. Once you really get to appreciate the flavour they become even better.
DeleteI've only had mushrooms from the grocery store.
ReplyDeleteYour fresh mushrooms must taste the world of difference. That said, I do like a portobello mushroom sliced in strips, lightly fried in butter and served with steak.
Cepes are very different to any shop-bought mushroom. If you get the chance; try them.
DeleteThere are so many along the paths through my yard!!! The squirrels and chipmunks love them too.
ReplyDeleteLucky you. I know exactly where they'll be growing in France, but down here on the south coast; nothing.
Delete