Field Notes from a Fungi Forager: An Illustrated Journey Through the World of Pacific Northwest Mushrooms

Cooking instructor and mushroom enthusiast Rodriguez shares her love for and knowledge of Pacific Northwest mushrooms in this fascinating, lushly illustrated work. (Note that the book is not meant to be a field guide for mushroom identification.) The book describes and illustrates mushroom anatomy and physiology, followed by information about Pacific Northwest ecology and best practices for foraging for mushrooms. At the heart of the book are nearly 50 profiles of types of mushrooms found in the Pacific Northwest. Each entry includes scientific and common names, family, a detailed description of the mushroom in all its life stages, and the specific habitats and seasons in which foragers are most likely to find the species. Entries also include, when applicable, edibility, preparation methods, medicinal properties, associated myths or legends, use as a dye, and Rodriguez’s personal experiences with the fungi. England illustrates each entry with a gorgeous, scientifically accurate painting of the mushroom. The book concludes with a glossary, suggested books, other fungi resources, and contact information for Pacific Northwest mushroom societies.