Agarico Nudo

A fairly common but beautiful fungus from the Agarico family, the wood blewit can be found from autumn through to early winter in deciduous woods and fields that are adjacent to woods. It usually grows singly, but can sometimes grow in little groups.

The whole of the young fungus is usually violet in colour, turning brown with age. The round flat cap can reach up to 12 cm (5 inches) in diameter, with the irregular edges rolled under. The flesh is quite firm, with a nutty flavour and delicate perfume. It is slightly poisonous when raw but perfectly edible when cooked. Try braising them in butter until the moisture from the mushroom has evaporated, then season with chives, salt and pepper and eat as an accompaniment to meat or fish.