How Many of Maine’s Tasty Edible Mushrooms Have You Ever Tried?

***DON'T EVER EAT A MUSHROOM THAT YOU CAN'T 100% POSITIVELY IDENTIFY***

At certain times of the year, you could totally live in the woods.

By live in the woods, I mean that you could pretty much survive solely off the land, if you knew what you were doing. If you were particularly sporty, you could hunt game and gather wild plants and probably live quite well for a while. At least until winter sets in. It would get remarkably tougher at that point.

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Aside from plants and animals, there's a ton of tasty fungus in the woods of Maine, up for grabs. And we're not talking about some barely edible piece of fungus that tastes like the inside of an old empty medicine bottle. Maine chefs pay top dollar for these woodsy delicacies. But with a bit of education, you can certainly find your own for free.

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What are some of the most popular?

I suppose you have to be a fan of mushrooms, as the first prerequisite for trying a bunch of different shrooms. But some you've probably even already heard of, and are legendary in Maine eateries. Specimens like Chanterelles, Black Trumpets, and Oyster mushrooms are among Maine's favorites.

But some of the slightly more off-the-map ones are also exceptional. Like Turkey Tail shrooms or Giant Puffballs. Chicken of the Woods are also a fantastic treat. But again, you really should be super careful when you're foraging. Some types of mushrooms are highly toxic and dangerous.

What about Truffles? Do we have those?

Short answer, no. Although I have a friend who is a professional forager, and she's recently discovered what she believes are Appalachian Truffles. They've been discovered as close to Maine as Massachusetts. But nobody in America seems to be putting much effort into finding them.

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They're allegedly very similar to European truffles, and have wonderful aromas and tastes. I have yet to try it myself, but I'm looking forward to it as soon as possible. Besides, if they're as awesome as Truffles from across the pond in Europe, it's only a matter of time before they become an expensive gift of the woods here.

But for a third time... PLEASE don't just go into the woods an decide you know what you're doing. Get with someone who knows the bounty you're searching for and be safe.