Velvet Shank

Flammulina velutipes Found growing in tiers on dead trees, especially elm but also on willow. I have even found it growing on a very old lilac one December. It is a remarkable mushroom in that it can be completely frozen and then revive on thawing. Velvet shanks are rather small and normally used for flavouring stews and soups. Sautéed on their own they have a good flavour but a somewhat slippery texture. The albino form is the same fungus cultivated in the dark; known as enokitake it is a Japanese speciality that can often be found in our supermarkets.