The Good Life - Harvest on the 18th July

Saturday was another good day in the allotment. Much of the flooding had worked its way into the soil and clay, but the potatoes, jerusalem artichokes and some of the broad bean plants may not be as healthy as they should be. Harry was not so pleased with some of the potatoes. While they had grown to a good size there was evidence of a large scale slug attack upon some plants. However, I had to point out in some cases he was confusing slugs with damage caused by somebody digging with a large fork! By midday we happily layed out on the work bench our selection of potatoes, beetroot, peas and beans, carrots, chives, fennel, spring onions, lettuce, mint, sorrel and a single "common" field mushroom.

We had a particular surprise with the beetroot. Six weeks ago a debate raged about whether or not beetroot plants could be transplanted. Corinne held the firm view that they could not and wanted to cull a bed of them to plant beans. I held firm and continued to water the guys until signs of fresh green growth appeared. It was also then stated that if the plants survived the beetroot itself would not grow well. Yesterday afternoon Harry and myself made a great show and took great relish in disproving these points of view as we struggled to pull the well formed and rooted beetroot from the soil. Corinne made no formal comment at the time but no doubt I will question her further on the issue when she is eating them.

Harry and Corinne

The Polyporus Squamous is also known as Dryads Saddle, Pheasant Back or Hawk's Wing mushroom. The cap is quite distinctive being kidney shaped with a scaled or feather like appearance. Peering under the cap you can examine the pores which are in the form of beautiful delicate velvet white tubes. This mushroom flourishes in late Summer. It is great to be able to find mushrooms and fungi growing in season when the changeability and unpredictability of the seasons can be the background or basis for many a conversation.

Polporus Squamous

They are quite spectacular mushrooms with caps up to 30cms wide. They can be found growing in large groups on decaying logs or stumps of elm or maple slowly devouring the crumbling bark and trunks of trees. The younger mushrooms are the best ones to pick as they will be quite tender. The more mature and larger mushrooms tend to be too tough and fibrous. The foot of the polyporus squamous is often quite big and thick as it will ultimately be attaching a large mushroom, weighing up to a few kilos, to the trunk of a rotten log. Once cut a sweet smelling liquid runs from the foot of the fresh mushroom. Some people describe the sweet fruity smell being similar to watermelon and I would not disagree.

Polyporus Squamous from the side

While the edibility of this mushroom is not disputed the quality of the mushroom is a little maligned and this is probably because this mushroom grows at a time when other more flavoursome varieties are available, and the "worthwhile" factor comes into play. In my view, when cooking wild mushrooms it is often preferable to have at your disposal a selection of mushrooms to enhance a recipe and this is at least one good reason for not ignoring this mushroom.