St George’s Mushroom

Calocybe gambosa Occurring on pasture land, wood edges and roadsides, it is traditionally found on St George’s Day, 23 April, and it is from this that it gets its name, but in most years it will occur a week or two later. It has a strong, mealy smell and taste which is reduced in cooking. Personally I do not like eating the large, older specimens but fresh, young ones are very good. In France its common name is mousseron and it is one of the most searched-for species.