The “St. George’s mushroom” is a common name for the edible fungus Calocybe gambosa.
Other names: Poplar Mushrooms.
Habitat
- St. George’s mushrooms are typically found in grassy areas, meadows, and pastures.
- They often grow in fairy rings or clusters.
- They have a mycorrhizal relationship with various deciduous trees, especially beech and oak.
Identification features
- Cap: Convex when young, becoming flat with age, white to cream-colored.
- Gills: Initially white, later becoming creamy-yellow.
- Stem: White and fibrous, often bulbous at the base.
- Spore Print: Creamy-white.
- Size: Caps typically range from 3 to 10 cm in diameter.
- Smell: Pleasant odor described as slightly mealy or like raw flour.
Edibility
- Lovely edible mushroom. This is a true delicacy as this mushroom
Recipes
Lovely firm mushroom that can be eaten raw or cooked. Great for pickling, soups or just fried with butter or made into omelets.
St George mushroom omelet
St George mushroom pickled in vinegar
St George mushroom and Hogweed turrets fry up
St George mushroom and Ground elder soup
St George mushroom and Chicken cobbler
Vitamins Content/Health Benefits
- St. George’s mushrooms are low in calories and fat, making them a healthy addition to a balanced diet, especially for those looking to manage their weight or reduce their intake of saturated fat.
- St. George’s mushrooms contain significant levels of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), potassium, phosphorus, copper, and selenium.
- Vitamin D: Mushrooms exposed to sunlight can synthesize vitamin D, which is beneficial for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being.
- B vitamins: B vitamins play various roles in energy metabolism, nervous system function, and red blood cell production.
- Mushrooms are a good source of dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness and satiety.
- Dietary fiber also supports cardiovascular health by helping to lower cholesterol levels.
- Mushrooms, including St. George’s mushrooms, contain antioxidants such as ergothioneine and selenium, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. Antioxidants play a role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Foraging season
- St. George’s mushrooms typically fruit in spring, usually around April to June in the Northern Hemisphere.
- They might also appear in autumn under certain conditions, but spring is their primary fruiting season.
Health warning
- Remember, when foraging for wild mushrooms, it’s crucial to be absolutely certain of the identification, as some poisonous mushrooms can resemble edible ones. It’s best to consult with an expert or field guide if you’re uncertain