Page 271 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods
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Scaly Hedgehog, Sarcodon
imbricatus (BANKERACEAE)
SCALY HEDGEHOG is widely distributed across tem- EDIBLE PARTS: young caps and stems
perate North America. Growing on the ground under KEY MEDICINAL USES: Constituents of this species
conifers, it occurs singly, in groups, or fairy rings. have been shown to promote bone marrow health and
These mushrooms typically fruit from late spring to reduce fatigue.
fall, though in California they may appear in midwin-
HOW TO EAT: The quality of scaly hedgehogs tends
ter.
to vary. Some specimens are mild-tasting and suitable
CAP: The cap is 2-10 inches (5-25cm) with a convex for most mushroom recipes. Others are irredeemably
or flat outline. Occasionally, it develops a perforated bitter. People seem to have better luck with young
central depression. Its dry exterior is patterned with mushrooms.
coarse, uplifted scales. These are dark brown to al-
MARINATED HEDGEHOGS: Ingredients: 1 lb. (500g)
most black, while the surface beneath is dull brown.
mushrooms, ¼ cup olive oil, ¼ cup white wine vinegar,
The margin begins inrolled, becoming decurved and
¼ diced onion, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tsp. brown
occasionally wavy or lobed. The firm, brittle flesh is
sugar, ½ tsp. oregano, ½ tsp. peppercorns, ¼ tsp.
whitish or pale brownish. It has a mild to bitter taste.
chili flakes, 1 bay leaf, salt, parsley. Boil mushrooms
SPINES: The undersurface is decurrent and covered in salted water (3-4 min.). In a bowl combine drained
with spines of 0.2-0.6 inches (5-15mm) long. These mushrooms with remaining ingredients. Scoop into
begin dull brown, darkening in age. sealable jars and refrigerate.
STEM: The stem is 1.5-4 inches (4-10cm) tall, 0.5-1.4 WARNING: Scaly hedgehogs cause indigestion in
inches (1.5-3.5cm) wide, and equal or thicker at the some people.
base. Beginning solid, its top becomes hollow in ma-
INEDIBLE LOOK-ALIKES: Sarcodon scabrosus - stalk
turity. The stem’s brown exterior is smooth to fibril-
base is olive-black; cap is less scaly; scales usually not
lose.
raised; extremely bitter flesh. Cap tissue stains black
SPORES: 6-8 x 5-7 µ, subglobose, strongly warted; in KOH.
Spore print: brown
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