Foraging - Graham Whitehouse

Guest speaker was Graham Whitehouse, who along with his wife Christine forms Whitehouse Foraging https://whitehouseforaging.co.uk/ 
Tasting a foraged mushroom ignited Graham’s interest in the subject. He then explored what else could be foraged under the guidance of expert, Monica Wild. Learning process took him to York, Dorset, France.

Warned care must be taken, know how to pick so that there is some, or even more, next year. Teaches only take what you need personally. Graham past around Sweet Sicily, part of the carrot family, but some of the carrot family can poison you! The other sample was identified as wild leeks. 

Potential for all sorts of dangers. Lords and Ladies releases tiny crystals that when released in your mouth burn your mouth.

Graham offered those present crackers made from sourdough discards, wild mushrooms and sea lettuce, seeds including nettle seeds. 

Becoming a competent forager would take a long number of years. Graham claimed that foraging was an enjoyable experience enhanced by working outside. Tips included using a basket so that spores drop out and create future mushrooms.

Where to forage:-

March to May - Hedgerows

March to May - Sea shores

June July August - Saltflats

End August through to October - Mushrooms

Recommended reading

Richard Mabey’s Food for Free

Apps called Picture Mushroom and Picture This

For more information go to The Association of Foragers

Club’s vote of thanks was given by PP Brian Mitchell, our own mushroom man. He said:-

“The truth of the matter is, of course, that there aren't that many fungi that are actually deadly poisonous in this country, but the vast majority are just inedible. I've got a particular interest in mushrooms because I was in the mushroom industry for decades. So I'm quite happy to go out and look for fungi and mushrooms and have done so for many, many years.

“The whole art of foraging is an all year round thing and the only way you get good at it is to go and practice. Build up your store of knowledge and have confidence in what you're actually doing.

“I found it fascinating tonight to get an insight into the world of foraging and it's much bigger than I thought it was. It's all over the place.  People like Graham are up and down the country and  if you want to lose weight, you can go on a foraging diet, remember!”