Honey mushroom are some of my favorite just because when they pop out there in the woods you can collect a bunch and if you start the day being excited about it you’ll probably end up after several hours of getting tired from collecting so much. Great mushrooms in both, flavor and texture, just make sure you check em well before you collect them because there might hide some other varieties between them.
Nutritional value
In terms of nutritional value, honey mushrooms are a good source of several vitamins and minerals. Here are some of the key nutrients found in honey mushrooms:
Protein: Honey mushrooms are a good source of protein, providing about 2-3 grams of protein per 100 grams of mushrooms.
Fiber: Honey mushrooms are a good source of dietary fiber, with about 2-3 grams of fiber per 100 grams of mushrooms.
B vitamins: Honey mushrooms are a good source of several B vitamins, including riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), and pantothenic acid (B5).
Copper: Honey mushrooms are a good source of copper, providing about 25% of the recommended daily intake per 100 grams of mushrooms.
Potassium: Honey mushrooms are a good source of potassium, with about
Habitat & collection
Honey mushrooms are found in many parts of the world and can grow in a variety of habitats. They are known to be particularly aggressive and can invade and colonize a variety of host trees, often causing damage or death to the tree.
In terms of habitat, honey mushrooms can be found in both deciduous and coniferous forests, and are commonly found growing in clusters at the base of trees or on decaying wood. They can also grow on stumps, logs, and other woody debris, as well as on living or dead roots of trees.
Honey mushrooms tend to thrive in moist environments, and are often found in areas with high humidity, such as near rivers or in areas with high precipitation. Overall, honey mushrooms are adaptable and can grow in a variety of habitats, but are particularly abundant in areas with decaying wood or other organic matter. When you collect Honey Mushrooms you need to keep some things in mind:
Be sure you have positively identified the mushroom as a honey mushroom before harvesting it. There are many different types of mushrooms that grow in the same habitats as honey mushrooms, some of which can be poisonous, so it’s important to be absolutely sure of the identification before consuming it.
Only harvest honey mushrooms that are growing in a healthy environment. Avoid harvesting mushrooms that are growing near contaminated sites, such as industrial areas or along heavily traveled roads.
Harvest honey mushrooms when they are young and still have firm, white flesh. Mushrooms that are past their prime or that have started to decay can be tough and unpalatable.
Cut the mushroom at the base of the stem rather than pulling it up, to avoid damaging the mycelium that connects the mushroom to the substrate.
Leave some mushrooms behind to ensure that the population remains sustainable.
Lookalikes
Honey mushrooms have some lookalikes that can be easily confused with them. It’s important to be able to distinguish these species to avoid accidentally consuming a toxic mushroom. Here are some common lookalikes of honey mushrooms:
- The Sulphur Tuft (Hypholoma fasciculare)
- The Deadly Galerina (Galerina marginata)
- The Common Honey Mushroom (Armillaria mellea)
- The jack-o’-lantern mushroom (Omphalotus illudens)
If you want to learn more about this wonderful mushroom and some other gourmet and medicinal mushrooms checkout The Wild Mushroom Course.
Preservation
Honey mushrooms can be preserved in a number of ways to extend their shelf life and enjoy them later. Here are some methods for preserving honey mushrooms:
Drying: Honey mushrooms can be dried and stored for later use. To do this, slice the mushrooms into thin pieces and spread them out on a drying rack or on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place the mushrooms in a well-ventilated area or use a food dehydrator to dry them. Once fully dried, store the mushrooms in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Freezing: Honey mushrooms can also be frozen to preserve them. To freeze, wash and slice the mushrooms and blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Drain and allow the mushrooms to cool, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for later use.
Pickling: Honey mushrooms can be pickled in vinegar to preserve them. To do this, wash and slice the mushrooms and place them in a clean, sterilized jar. Bring vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and any desired herbs and spices to a boil, then pour the mixture over the mushrooms in the jar. Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for several weeks before using.
Canning: Honey mushrooms can also be canned in jars for long-term storage. To do this, wash and slice the mushrooms and pack them into clean, sterilized jars. Add boiling water to cover the mushrooms, leaving 1 inch of headspace. Process the jars in a pressure canner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cooking
Stir-frying: Stir-frying honey mushrooms with other vegetables and meat is a quick and delicious way to prepare them. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. Add other vegetables and meat and cook until everything is tender and fully cooked.
Soup or stew: Honey mushrooms can also be added to soups and stews for a savory and hearty flavor. Add sliced mushrooms to your favorite soup or stew recipe and cook until tender and fully cooked.
Sautéing: honey mushrooms in butter or oil is a simple and tasty way to prepare them. Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-10 minutes until tender and lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste.