Pig’s Ear Mushroom - Another Odd-Looking Fungi That Is Good For Eating!
Foraging for wild mushrooms is one of the best reasons to go on an outdoor adventure. You never know what can happen when you set foot into the deep forests of Northern California. Hunting wild mushrooms gives hiking a real purpose, which only enhances the experience.
Heading out into the woods to find wild edible mushrooms can quickly become a favorite hobby. Not only is it awesome to eat foods that you found, cleaned, and cooked yourself, but it’s also interesting to learn about all of the different mushroom species. Northern California is home to a wide array of wild edible mushrooms.
Finding new wild mushrooms broadens your mushroom foraging knowledge and gives you a new taste and texture to experiment with. If you’re looking to mix things up, try finding Pig’s Ear mushrooms (aka Gomphus Clavatus). These mushrooms were known as the violet chanterelle because they were once believed to be part of the chanterelle family. It wasn’t until the 2000s that they were finally reclassified.
Their similar texture and shape to the ear of one of the most well-known and loved farm animals earned them their name. Young Pig’s Ears have a violet cast on their exterior that tends to fade into a dull tan as it ages. If you are looking to cook up some wild Pig’s Ears, you’ll want to find ones that are young and larvae-free.
The best time to go looking for Pig’s Ear mushrooms in Northern California is in the fall and early winter. One of the reasons why they were placed in the chanterelle group is because they are typically found in areas where chanterelles like to grow. Pig’s Ear mushrooms grow in clusters and are often found under Douglas fir trees and other conifers.
Although these mushrooms have had mixed reviews in regards to their flavor, they are a pretty good mushroom to forage for if you are a beginner. That’s because they have a distinct look and are also relatively common. The only way to find out if you like them is to give them a try. Check out this recipe for Pig’s Ear Mushroom Tacos below:
Pig’s Ear Mushroom Tacos Ingredients:
• 1 oz. Pig’s Ears per taco, in chunky pieces
• 1 lb. roma tomatoes
• 1 large jalapeño
• 3 cloves of garlic
• ½ onion
• Tortillas of choice
• Salt to taste
• Cilantro to taste
Cooking Directions:
1) Use a cast iron skillet to lightly char the tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and garlic. Peel the charred vegetables and then puree them in a blender. Season with salt and you’ll be left with a slightly chunky and delicious salsa.
2) Fry the tortillas in oil until they are lightly toasted on each side.
3) Sauté the Pig’s Ear mushrooms in oil or lard and season with salt. Then, put out the warm tortillas, salsa, mushrooms, and whatever else you’d like to add to the make-your-own mushroom taco station!
Want to find your own? We have mushroom foraging classes all season in Marin, Sonoma, and the Santa Cruz Mountains.