Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms of New England and Eastern Canada (North Atlantic Books/ 2009) by David L. Spahr

Reviewed by Dr. Joseph S. Maresca

This volume covers virtually every variety of mushroom popularized in the organic foods marketplace. Each mushroom type is presented in full color together with its proximate location and use; namely, edible, non-edible or medicinal.

Mushrooms are fungi. The fungi release digestive enzymes to decompose living and dead matter. There are 100,000 species consisting of molds, yeasts and mushrooms. There are specific rules for collecting mushrooms and identifying them--i.e. pores, teeth and ridge networks.   There are specific tree types which host mushrooms; for example, Maples host Oyster Mushrooms in the fall and early winter.

Digital cameras with at least 5 megapixels should be employed to obtain high quality pictures of mushrooms in their natural state. The Maitake mushrooms are known to have considerable medicinal properties. For instance, they aid in boosting the immune system to fight cancer and stabilize blood pressure.  Secondary uses include anti-hypertension and anti-diabetic properties.  A full 98% of the Maitake mushrooms are found around oak and dead tree trunks. Ideally, mushrooms should be washed with a sink sprayer.

The book provides an extensive section on compatible wines to specific mushroom types.  For instance,  Chanterelle mushrooms may be eaten with a dry white wine. Hedgehog mushrooms go well with Sherry or Port wine. The Horse Mushroom is good with dry red wine.

This acquisition would be excellent for the food connoisseur in your household. In addition, physicians, dieticians, nutritionists, health buffs and professional chefs will enjoy this book immensely. An excellent bibliography is provided for the readership. The book is priced reasonably.

David Spahr has collected, photographed, and eaten wild mushrooms for 35 years. He is a member of the Maine Mycological Association and maintains a Web site devoted to the subject, mushroom-collecting.com. You'll find David Spahr online at www.mushroom-collecting.com

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