Hedgehog Beard - Hericium Mushroom

The hedgehog's mane owes its name to its unusual shape. It is roundish-oval or also heart-shaped and covered on its outside with many densely arranged long spines. The Chinese therefore found this apt name for him. However, it is also referred to there as a "monkey's head mushroom", since the fruiting body is reminiscent of a hairy monkey's head.

The porcupine's mane is a popular and delicious edible mushroom in China. Because it is one of the few mushrooms that have a strong lobster flavor when cooked. In Europe, the porcupine's mane is not well known, although it is native to parts of the continent.

Its unique taste and extremely decorative, coral-like appearance make it a coveted delicacy. In the wild, this fungus occurs in deciduous forests in Europe, North America and Asia (especially China and Japan).

The porcupine's mane is rich in potassium, zinc, iron, germanium, selenium, phosphorus and contains all essential amino acids as well as polysaccharides and polypeptides.

Recipe for about 5 people

Ingredients:

• 200 g of fresh hedgehog's mane
• 250 g of crème fraîche
• 50 g fresh leaf parsley
• 2 cloves of garlic
• salt, pepper, lemon juice

Preparation:

• For this quick and easy recipe, finely dice the mushrooms.
• Finely chop the parsley and add it
• Mix with the créme fraîche
• Press the garlic cloves and season with lemon juice, salt and pepper.

Tip 1: Do not wash the hedgehog's mane, only brush it, otherwise it will become soaked with water.

Tip 2: To make the garlic more digestible, remove the sprout in the middle of the clove.

Tip 3: This recipe also works wonderfully with shiitake in combination or as a substitute for the porcupine.