St. George Mushrooms

Introduction

I previously covered the fascinating St. George's Mushroom or Calocybe Gambosa in a post back in May 2021. But once again, these captivating fungi captured my attention with their synchronicity. It was as if my inner clock had harmonized with their seasonal appearance, coinciding precisely with my return to Switzerland from my Masala Adventures.

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Hunting

Hunting and gathering these mushrooms proved to be a delightful challenge this year. Time seemed to slip away, urging me to seize the moments and make the most of each day. In the spirit of my dear friend @djlethalskillz, who would say, "do it," I embarked on mushroom excursions with friends, embracing the thrill of the hunt.

Short Time Frame

However, the season seemed fleeting, with many of my usual spots drying up and withering away before I could gather and dehydrate enough. The St. George Mushrooms arrived with a sense of urgency, urging me to act swiftly.

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Taste

These mushrooms possess a distinct fragrance, often compared to the crisp aroma of cucumber. Their tightly positioned lamella releases a fresh scent when gently rubbed, enhancing the sensory experience.

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Medicinal Properties

The St. George Mushroom exhibits antibacterial properties against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli (Keller et al., 2002). The growing popularity of mushrooms with immunomodulatory properties is truly astounding. While consuming a large quantity is necessary to yield effects, I believe that the entire process of picking mushrooms and connecting with nature's quantum web imparts additional medicinal benefits. Inhaling the forest's terpenes and basking in its aromatic embrace intertwines with the act of conscious picking, enhancing the overall experience.

Harvesting

I particularly enjoy dehydrating these mushrooms, preserving their essence to savor during colder months. Adding them to dishes provides a delightful essence of spring, even when the weather turns chilly. The larger, more mature specimens boast a satisfyingly meaty texture that I find truly delightful. Harvesting them can be an intriguing experience, as they often emerge in whimsical fairy circles. It is not uncommon to gather up to a kilogram in a single excursion.

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Conclusion

The arrival of February signals a time of preparation, of tending to our gardens and observing the moon cycles. Paying attention to the awakening vegetation is truly magical. Remarkable individuals like @riverflows and @samstonehill, deeply attuned to the seasons and their plant babies, serve as constant reminders of this enchantment. It is ironic how the Hive community can have such a profound impact on our lives. As the morels and St. George Mushrooms make their appearance, along with others, it becomes an ideal time to harvest mushroom tea, as I previously mentioned. Seizing opportunities and being fully present in the moment, whether in the garden or in our daily tasks, brings tremendous rewards without the external pressure to perform. Embracing our own uniqueness and finding fulfillment in our actions and creations can fill the void within us. Embracing the blank canvas of the present moment with positivity and power is a truly transformative experience.

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Let us continue to journey through nature's offerings, savoring the wonders and mysteries that unfold along the way.

Thank you for reading

Best Wishes
Rane

Previous Posts on Mushrooms:

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Posts about Wild Herbs:

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^{Vanishing
Dong Chang 东厂
aka Rane}

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"Opportunity favors the present and active, for challenges yield to those who rise and venture, not those who idly dream on the couch."
- @yangyangje