In The Raspberry Woods Again - 2nd August 2013

I went for a walk in the raspberry woods again, just in case there were some early fungi. The first thing I found was a crop of King Alfred's Cakes or Cramp Balls. Not an edible fungi, but can be used as tinder for fires. They are rock hard and grow on dead Beech and Ash. Ash in this case.

I passed the raspberries again and there is still a good crop.I must be the only one picking them. Fresh raspberries and ice cream for dinner!

My last find was Jew's Ears fungi or for the more politically correct, Wood Ears. They were dried up on the tree, but will re-hydrate when the damp weather comes. You can pick them dry and re-hydrate them at home. I don't think they have much flavour, so use them in soups or pasta. Usually grows on Elder trees and was in this case.

Before:

After: