One of the less well-known varieties of wild mushrooms, hedgehog mushrooms shouldn’t be overlooked.  Hedgehogs are smallish brown and white mushrooms that get their name from having small tooth-like projections rather than gills underneath their caps.  They have a firm, dense texture and a delightfully rich, buttery flavor (sometimes with a slight peppery note) that some describe as chanterelle-esque.

In fact, hedgehogs share several microscopic characteristics with golden chanterelles, and mycologists have speculated that the two varieties may be related.

Shelf Life: Up to ten days fresh. A year or longer dried. Several months frozen.

The buttery flavor of hedgehog mushrooms is welcome in almost any sautéed dish.  They also work well in casseroles, soups, and stews.

Before cooking, clean them gently with a damp paper towel to remove dirt. Do not soak them.

Hedgehog Mushroom Recipes
Recipes Suitable for Any Mushroom Variety