This lovely mushroom makes a bunch of fairy rings in the park. I once found a park with over 34 fairy rings -it was a Fairy Ring mushroom habitat and this made me think of food for the entire summer. It has a great shelf-life and it pops after rain (of course). The texture is quite consistent and solid and the flavor is nutty. Just beware where you collect it from (make sure they don’t spray pesticides around in the park).
Fairy Ring mushrooms are named after the circular patterns they often form in the grass. These circles are called fairy rings and are caused by the underground mycelium of the mushroom, which grows in a radial pattern. In some cultures, fairy ring mushrooms are believed to have magical properties. They are said to bring good luck, protect against evil spirits, and promote fertility.
Nutritional value
Low in Calories: Fairy ring mushrooms are low in calories, with approximately 22 calories per 100 grams.
High in Protein: Fairy ring mushrooms are a good source of protein, with approximately 3.2 grams of protein per 100 grams.
Rich in Vitamins: Fairy ring mushrooms contain various vitamins, including vitamin D, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. Vitamin D is particularly important for bone health and immune system function.
Good Source of Minerals: Fairy ring mushrooms are also a good source of minerals, including iron, copper, and potassium.
High in Fiber: Fairy ring mushrooms are high in fiber, which is important for digestive health and can help promote feelings of fullness.
Habitat
Fairy ring mushrooms typically grow in the late spring or early summer, and can continue to grow throughout the summer and fall. They are a popular choice for foragers. The habitat includes:
Grasslands: Fairy ring mushrooms are commonly found in grassy areas, meadows, and lawns. They typically grow in circles, or “fairy rings,” that can range in size from a few feet to over 50 feet in diameter.
Forests: Fairy ring mushrooms can also be found in forested areas, particularly in areas where the soil is rich in organic matter.
Parks: These mushrooms are sometimes found in urban areas, such as parks or other public green spaces.
Farmland: Fairy ring mushrooms may also be found in agricultural areas, particularly in pastures or other grassy areas.
Lookalikes
Clitocybe dealbata is a toxic lookalike of the Fairy Ring mushroom sharing the same habitat. Make sure you distinguish them well before consuming this mushroom. Other lookalikes represent ‘brown little mushrooms’ sharing the same habitat of which some are toxic, therefore caution is key for the correct identification of the Fairy Ring mushroom. For the first time, best is to go out to collect it with a mushroom expert near you and to learn about it in detail. The Wild Mushroom Course discusses this mushroom together with some other famous edible and medicinal ones.
Preservation
This little mushroom may be preserved in several ways:
Fairy ring mushrooms (Marasmius oreades) are a delicious edible mushroom that can be preserved in a variety of ways:
Drying: the great news is that this mushroom once dried may be soaked in water at a later time and it will get back to its initial shape and consistency.
Freezing: Fairy ring mushrooms can also be frozen for long-term storage. To freeze mushrooms, clean and slice them, then spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Transfer the frozen mushrooms to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to six months.
Cooking
The Fairy Ring mushroom may be sautéed which is a simple and quick way to cook fairy ring mushrooms. Start by cleaning and slicing the mushrooms, then heat a pan over medium-high heat with a bit of oil or butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and lightly browned. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve as a side dish or as a topping for steak or pasta. This mushrooms may be also used with great success in omelets.