Edible Fungi, They are Not!

photo by ana traina ~ 2012 ~

It has been raining here in New York City for past few days, therefore the fungi are sprouting here, there and everywhere one looks. It is quite a wondrous site to behold among the city's cracks and crevices!  So, it is no wonder that today on my routine doggie jaunt I was reminded of an old adage: There are old mushroom hunters and bold mushroom hunters, but there are no old, bold mushroom hunters.  This is why, dear Zingertalers,  I have decided to post a few myth smashers on this glorious, yet, very drizzlesome Tuesday morn...

Now, when identifying edible fungi, ABSOLUTELY NONE, I REPEAT, NONE of the following wives' tales are true!

Poisonous mushrooms tarnish a silver spoon.
If it peels, you can eat it.
All mushrooms growing on wood are edible.
Mushrooms that squirrels and other creatures of the forest eat are safe for humans.
All mushrooms in the meadows and pastures are safe to eat.
All white mushrooms are edible.
Poisonous mushrooms can be detoxified by parboiling, drying, or pickling.
A clove of garlic turns black when cooked with a poisonous mushroom.

Happy mushrooming!