Foraging Pittsburgh

Mushrooms contain ergosterol, a fungal cell membrane molecule which, when exposed to UV light, is converted into vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol).

All mushrooms contain ergosterol, and the conversion to vitamin D2 from UV radiation is quite efficient in some more than others. The process of exposing retail mushrooms to extra UV radiation is becoming more common in order to artificially increase vitamin D2 levels.

Chanterelles from the wild contain high levels of vitamin D2 due to natural UV exposure … about 212 IU per 100 grams of fresh material.

Pictured here are chanterelles in a state park outside of Pittsburgh, demonstrating to perfection the conversion of ergosterol to ergocalciferol.

I recently stumbled upon this fairy ring of Clavariadelphus mushrooms, a genus characterized by its club-shaped fungi.

This mushroom is most likely Clavariadelphus truncatus, the “flat topped coral mushroom,” and can usually be found among coniferous woods in late summer and fall. It is shown here growing under the eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis).

All species of Clavariadelphus are considered to be edible, though some are much more palatable than others.

This is the purple-gilled Laccaria (Laccaria ochropurpurea), an edible mushroom usually found among oak trees. These mushrooms may resemble several species of Cortinarius, though the latter produce a rusty brown spore print, and the purple-gilled Laccaria produces a white spore print.

Saute it with some butter or olive oil, throw in some veggies and spices, and enjoy the wildness of your meal!