Hedgehog Mushrooms

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This item was last sold on : 10/23/24

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Description/Taste

Hedgehog mushrooms are small to large in size, averaging 5-17 centimeters in diameter, and are irregular in shape with a flattened, depressed cap and a thin, off-centered stem. The smooth cap can be convex or upturned, is dry, thick, and firm, and ranges in color from yellow, buff, to orange. The cap also has wavy margins and when mature the edges may crack. Underneath the cap, there are many cream-colored teeth or spore-bearing spines that hang down instead of gills. The stems are also white, orange, or buff, average 3-10 centimeters in length, and depending on the variety may be hollow in the center. When cooked, Hedgehog mushrooms have a fruity aroma and a chewy texture with an earthy, nutty, peppery, and smoky flavor.

Seasons/Availability

Hedgehog mushrooms are available throughout the late summer through late winter, depending on the geographic location.

Current Facts

Hedgehog mushrooms are represented by two edible species, Hydnum repandum, which are the most common, larger mushrooms and the smaller variety, Hydnum umbilicatum. Also known as Sweet Tooth mushrooms, a nod to its flavor and shape, Hedgehog mushrooms have many names including Pig's Trotter, Wood Urchin, and the Wood Hedgehog. Hedgehog mushrooms grow in groups or are found individually in moist soils near streams or riverbeds and also grow near or on birch trees, beech trees, and some conifers. They are easily identified in the wild, foraged and favored for their nutty flavors, and are used in a variety of culinary applications.

Nutritional Value

Hedgehog mushrooms contain vitamin D, potassium, iron, and anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

Applications

Hedgehog mushrooms are best suited for cooked applications such as boiling or sautéing. They can be sautéed and served over steak, baked into pot pies or tarts, piled on toast, boiled in soups and stews, or cooked into a stuffing. They can also be simmered in white wine or cream-based sauces and served in pasta, stir-fries, and vegetable side dishes as the mushroom readily absorbs accompanying flavors. Hedgehog mushrooms can be used as a substitute for chanterelle mushrooms in recipes and are also ideal for canning or pickling as the texture and taste can be successfully preserved. Hedgehog mushrooms pair well with bay leaves, allspice, paprika, thyme, and other fresh herbs, garlic, onion, green onions, chives, leeks, carrots, zucchini, peas, cauliflower, red potatoes, white vinegar, soy sauce, bacon, veal, poultry, beef, and parmesan cheese. They will keep up to two weeks when stored loosely wrapped in the refrigerator and for a couple of months when stored in the freezer.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

In Germany, Hedgehog mushrooms are referred to as Semmelstoppelpilz, and in France, they are known as Pied De Mouton, which translates to “foot of the sheep.” Some of the more brightly colored Hedgehog mushroom varieties are used for dying wool. Hedgehog mushrooms are also a favorite variety to discover in the woods among novice mushroom foragers as there are no poisonous look-alikes and the variety is considered somewhat safe to search for. Caution should still be taken when picking mushrooms in the wild, and they should not be consumed unless there is complete certainty and research has been done by experts.

Geography/History

Hedgehog mushrooms can be found growing in Europe, North America, and in some areas of Asia and have been growing since ancient times. They were first recorded by Carl Linnaeus in Species Plantarum in 1753, and today Hedgehog mushrooms are still only available through foragers, sold in farmers markets and specialty grocers.

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Hedgehog Mushrooms. One

is easiest, three is harder.

Honest Food dot Net		Gizzard Confit with Wild Mushrooms
Olive Oil and Lemons		Mushroom Soup with Foraged Hedgehog Mushrooms
Forager Chef		Hedgehog Mushroom Duxelles
Nordic Forest Foods		Hedgehog Mushrooms and Bacon Pasta
Hunter Gather Cook		Squirrel & Hedgehog Pasties
Forager Chef		Hedgehog Mushroom Conserve
Turntable Kitchen		Wild Mushroom and Crescenza Pizza
CulturEatz		The Kale & Hedgehog Mushroom Salad
Viva Gourmet		Sardinian Pasta with Wild Mushrooms