It’s mid-June in the mid-West: the days are longer, the skies brighter, the grass greener, and Mother Nature is more fashionably attired than ever. At the farm, it was time to clean the overgrown flower beds, whack the weeds growing along the pond, inspect the livestock, and stalk the wild mushrooms.
Sadly, I lost a weeping willow this year and one of my newly planted apple trees looks puny. But cattle grazing in nearby fields look quite content.
The Mushroom Hunt
The spring rains not only greened up the fields and foliage, they brought the Black Trumpet mushrooms out in abundance. The funnel-shaped fungi are one of the best tasting mushrooms you’ll ever find. These gourmet edibles have a smoky, rich flavor and a pleasant, fruity aroma. There are no poisonous look alikes, which makes it easy for beginners to identify.
Two of the mushrooms shown below were unfamiliar to my daughter, Robin. She took photos to show Ken Gilberg, local ‘shroom expert and family friend.
