Ingredient Spotlight: Hedgehog Mushrooms

One of the first things I noticed about this mushroom is that instead of gills under the caps, they have "teeth." Can you see them in the photograph above? These are the spore-bearing structures.

Found in forests in North America and Europe, hedgehog mushrooms are pale yellow to light tan in color. They have a white spore print. They have a slightly nutty taste and a firm texture.

Hedgehogs only require a quick brushing to remove dirt. They do well in casseroles and soups, and are commonly pickled. They also work well given an old-fashioned frying in butter.

Here are some hedgehog mushroom recipes. They can be purchased online at these sources:

• Pacific Rim Mushrooms
• Earthy Delights

(Image: Kathryn Hill)

Comments (2)

Mmmm, I love me a hedgehog mushroom! (And I love all your wild mushroom posts!)

I find it's the little divot on the top that first alerts me to its presence, ID confirmed when turned over and the little teeth are there I think the texture is quite crisp compared to most other mushrooms, even when it is cooked.

The ones in my area are pale pale apricot and only get tan like the ones in the photo when they get too old.

I love hedgehogs, but it's been years since I've had them. Thanks for the links to a new source for them.