The River Cottage mushroom handbook

Starting with a brief introduction to mushroom biology and taxonomy, John explains the ins and outs of collecting, including relevant UK laws, conservation notes, practical tips and identification techniques, complete with diagrams and line drawings.

He also introduces the River Cottage Magic Seven Challenge, a checklist of seven mushrooms in any self-respecting mycophile's basket and a great first test that will inspire everyone to put their wellies on.

Then he describes and distinguishes more than fifty of the species we are most likely to come across during forays in Britain's forests and clearings: old friends the Chanterelle and Cep, as well as a whole colourful host of more unfamiliar names - the Velvet Shank, the Horn of Plenty, the Amethyst Deceiver, the Giant Puffball and the Chicken in the Woods to name but a few of the edibles, and poisonous types including the Sickener, the Death Cap and the Destroying Angel.Each entry includes a fact file for identification and practical tips for picking (or avoiding); also included in this section are information about related species and a fascinating fact - did you know, for example, that Oyster mushrooms, belying their peaceful appearance, stun passing nematode worms with a powerful toxin in order to suck out their nitrogen-rich fluids?

The handbook is completed by more than thirty simple and delicious mushroom recipes from the River Cottage team.

Small enough to fit in a waterproof pocket, with colour photographs throughout, a standout translucent jacket and an introduction by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, The "River Cottage Mushroom Handbook" is a comprehensive and user-friendly guide destined to be an indispensable household reference.