Couldn't resist opening this thread when I saw it. And who do we have Bobad and Bruce. Bobad I met and Bruce I hope to next July. Right? Charley I haven't had the pleasure.
I have eaten approxmately 10 varieties so far and have always come back to the field mushroom. The little button ones like in the store. However the store ones that are culivated have little or no taste. But the wild ones are fantastic. Puff balls are my second favoriate. I've tried the "Morel" and "Chicken of the Woods" but despite what experts say(Two of the best tasting.) I always come back to the field mushroom. When I was very young, dad use to take me looking for mushrooms and now I'm glad he did.
In 1988 I purchased a book titled "The New Savory Wild Mushroom". When I go out to look for mushrooms I always take it with me. When I find one that looks pretty interesting I cook it up and call my wife for a taste. Then I sit and watch her for a while. After about an hour, I figure it is safe so I try them and rate their smell, texture, taste and so on.
Mushroom Poisons by Varro E. Tyler. To quote: "Only 1 to 2 percent of the approxmately five thousand species of mushrooms growing in North America are significantly toxic". He goes on to say that when experimenting you should eat a very small amount. For what could be fine for one person can have a very different effect on another.
Just thought I'd share this with you. Bobad enjoy them as the season is just about over.
Bruce I will be in touch very soon on another topic.
P.S. Judy and I will celebrate our 34th. wedding anniversary Sunday. Despite being a mushroom taster, she is fine.
Beer