Greetings, and Happy New Year!
In my neck of the woods, January is certainly not the most prolific month in terms of wild edible mushrooms. Snow-covered soil and freezing temperatures aren’t very conducive to ample mushroom activity.
Lately, however, conditions around here have been quite different.
The ground is devoid of snow and temperatures have been mild. As a result, our wild woody decomposers — in particular, the fungi that feed on trees — continue to thrive.
Chief among these winter woody decomposers are our jelly fungi. These mushrooms are unique in that their fruiting bodies can persist for months on a stick, log, or stump in a dehydrated or frozen state… only to rebound during a winter rain or warm spell.
Two fascinating jelly fungi that flourish during the winter season include the world-famous Wood Ear (popular in soup recipes) and the Amber Jelly Roll (a close look-alike). Both mushrooms are edible and both are often found in abundance… even amongst snow and freezing temperatures.
If you’re interested in foraging these two enticing jelly fungi this weekend (and perhaps all winter long), check out the brand new video!
Speaking of edible gelatinous mushrooms, the Orange Jelly Fungus is another common component of the winter forest. Though I don’t feature this species in the aforementioned video, I do discuss its key features in a recent Instagram post. Check it out!
Thanks for reading and watching, and as always, thank you for your support!
-Adam Haritan
My herb spiral is my mad scientist laboratory. Just outside my kitchen door, it is the only part of my garden to experience full sun. The soil is much-amended with compost. And, that is where I plant essential kitchen herbs and the occasional experiment, like a new herb that bears close watching.
Paths I Walk 