Observant visitors to this page will know that I am an avid wild-Mushroom hunter. The woods around our home in France offer plenty of Girolles, Cepes, Hedgehog Mushrooms, and Trumpets of Death. And our favourite Parasol Mushrooms pop-up almost anywhere. We always stick to these five well-known varieties.
We had really been hoping for a few Cepes before we left last weekend, but it wasn't to be. It had rained as needed, and it had been hot. Sadly, for some reason, they didn't grow.
However, I now see from local reports that there are beautiful Cepes everywhere (above, 2 days ago), and the local marketplace is busy every afternoon, with merchants buying all they can get their hands on.
I cannot tell you how annoyed this makes me. One of the greatest pleasures of living where we do is the availability of a good variety of wild mushrooms; especially the Cepes.
We did have a few way back in June, with three days of Cepe omelets, but I'd really been hoping for more.
Such is life.
As the Rolling Stones sang: You can't always get what you want.
ReplyDeleteTo be "annoyed" at your age, about anything, should be the exception not the rule. Breathe in, breathe out [trust me, there is an art to it]. Calm will descend.
Talking of age: What would you like to be your last meal - given a choice and assuming you'd still be interested in food?
U
Last meal? I really don't know! Maybe something that took a very long time to consume!
DeleteJust so that you know, and without wishing to add to your pain: You can get 90 g (!) of Girolles at a cool £5, courtesy of Waitrose. Picked in France. Here, have a hanky to wipe your tears.
DeleteScotland's bounty should kick in any time soon.
U
I don't imagine that fresh Cepes are available anywhere north of Calais; at whatever price.
DeleteCould be a good reason for going later next year.
ReplyDeleteYes, but I did find a few in early June.
DeleteWhat a pity. You always 'show and tell' us how full of taste these mushrooms are. Next year.
ReplyDeleteThey are 'the best'. A Cepe omelet is a special treat!
DeleteYou could always take a flight back to a convenient airport in France, rent a car and spend a couple of days foraging in the woods before scoffing a massive mushroom omelette and then flying back.
ReplyDeleteI could indeed. But there's not mush room on flights to the area these days!
DeleteWell Cro, you'll just have to dry your tears and re-think your departure date next year. Just remember to check with your French neighbours about this years harvest and hope next year will be even more bountiful!
ReplyDeleteI was told by my neighbour that there probably wouldn't be any this year, and now look! I've even had more photos sent, it seems it's a very good crop.
DeleteYou and Lady M will enjoy your Cepes next visit even more I imagine - Though not purchased yet (still researching ) the pet shop is selling a dried mushroom product for dogs as a health supplement - It's quite pricey though - flis x
ReplyDeleteWhat are supposed to improve; Healthwise? It sounds a bit dodgy to me.
DeleteApparently the immune system - Couple of weeks ago I saw it at a well known pet shop - I asked to look at it - It's a powder and 30 something pounds - I would buy it though rather than chemicals from the vets if I knew it was safe - I've had problems with dogs medication you see which has caused me great concern - flis x
DeleteIt is so hard to time the seasons and the weather.
ReplyDeleteIt's even harder to predict when mushrooms will pop-up!
DeleteMaybe next year you will be lucky, and the weather and mushrooms will be plentiful.
ReplyDeleteI do hope so, it's something we really look forward to.
DeleteHave you read about the "Mushroom Murderer" here in Oz?
ReplyDelete