"For every problem, there is a mushroom with an answer"

[liuzhou]

Interesting article from the Grauniad today. It is British but applies elsewhere, I think.

 

And yes, I have eaten fly agarics. Delicious.

 

Image © Me.

 

[Alex]

I had to look up "Grauniad." And I'm a reader/supporter.

[Nancy in Pátzcuaro]

We know "fly agaric" or amanita muscaria as the indicator species for boletus edulis when foraging in the Colorado mountains. They grow in the same habitat, so when you see the amanitas, which are  pretty noticeable (being red and all), you start looking for the boletes. I wouldn't eat amanitas, but they are helpful in holding down the fly population (hence the name). Some people use amanita muscaria as a hallucinogen, but I don't think anyone ever described them as "delicious." 

[liuzhou]

2 hours ago, Nancy in Pátzcuaro said:

I don't think anyone ever described them as "delicious." 

 

The article does and I concur. But they have to be prepared and cooked correctly.

 

[chromedome]

A friend of mine explained it this way: "Prepared one way, they're a fine edible. Prepared another way, they'll make you see God. Eat 'em raw, and they'll introduce you in person!"