Edible Mushrooms UK Pictures: When it comes to wild food foraging, edible mushrooms are some of the most exciting finds in the UK.
They bring a rich, earthy flavour to dishes, and the thrill of finding them in the wild adds an extra layer of enjoyment.
In this post, you’ll find 7 beginner-friendly mushrooms commonly found across the UK, along with tips on identifying them, their culinary uses, and advice on safe foraging.
We’ve also included stunning pictures of these mushrooms so you can spot them more easily during your next outdoor adventure.
Mushroom Foraging Safety
Before you head out to forage for mushrooms, remember these key safety tips:
- Only forage mushrooms you’re 100% sure are edible.
- Cross-reference your ID with 3 reliable sources, such as a reputable guidebook or website, or take a course with a foraging expert.
- Most wild mushrooms should not be eaten raw; cooking often makes them safer.
- Avoid foraging in areas where pesticides or other chemicals might have been used.
- Start with small quantities to ensure you’re not allergic to a mushroom.
1. Beefsteak Fungus (Fistulina hepatica)
Flavour: Meaty, rich, and slightly sour
This large, fleshy mushroom grows on oak trees and is easy to identify by its reddish, beef-like appearance. It can grow up to 30 cm across, resembling a piece of raw steak.
Best cooked thoroughly, it has a texture similar to meat, making it a great alternative in vegetarian dishes. Try it in stews or stir-fries.
2. Dryad’s Saddle (Polyporus squamosus)
Flavour: Mild and slightly nutty
Recognisable by its fan-shaped cap with scaly, overlapping textures, Dryad’s Saddle grows on dead hardwood trees.
Dryad’s Saddle is an edible mushroom at the right stage of growth. Its young caps are tender and have a mild, nutty flavour, perfect for adding to soups, casseroles, or grilling. Be sure to only harvest young mushrooms before they become too tough.
3. Wood Ears (Auricularia auricula-judae)
Flavour: Mild and gelatinous
Wood Ears are easy to spot thanks to their ear-like, rubbery texture and translucent, dark brown colour.
They typically grow on decaying wood and can be used in a variety of Asian-inspired dishes like soups, stir-fries, and spring rolls. The texture is more important than the flavour, as they add an interesting chewiness to dishes.
4. Scarlet Elfcups (Sarcoscypha coccinea)
Flavour: Mild and pleasant
This mushroom stands out with its bright red, cup-like shape that’s easy to spot in the woods. Scarlet Elfcups are usually found growing on decaying branches and twigs in damp environments.
Scarlet Elfcups don’t have a strong flavour but can add a beautiful colour to soups, salads, and other dishes. They’re best used when they’re young and fresh.
5. Cauliflower Fungus (Sparassis crispa)
Flavour: Mild, slightly sweet
This striking mushroom looks like a pale cauliflower and grows on the ground near coniferous trees.
Cauliflower fungus is perfect for making into soups or adding to a stir-fry. Harvest it when it’s young, as older mushrooms can become tough and bitter.
6. Field Blewits (Clitocybe nuda)
Flavour: Mild, earthy
Field Blewits are often found in grassy areas or wood edges, their purple-tinged caps making them easy to spot.
This edible mushroom has a strong, earthy aroma and flavour that intensifies when cooked. Add them to risottos, soups, or any savoury dish that benefits from their deep, umami taste. Be cautious, though—always cook them thoroughly, as they can cause digestive upset if eaten raw.
7. Grey Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus)
Flavour: Sweet and slightly woody
These mushrooms are often found on dead trees, and their oyster-shaped caps come in a range of grey, blue, or even white tones. Their delicate flavour is perfect for adding depth to a wide range of dishes, from creamy pasta sauces to pizzas. They cook quickly, making them a great addition to weeknight meals.
How to Safely Forage for Edible Mushrooms in the UK
If you’re new to foraging, here’s a quick guide to help you get started:
- Start with easy-to-identify mushrooms: As shown in our list, there are a few beginner-friendly mushrooms that are easier to identify and have fewer look-alikes.
- Take a guidebook: A well-known field guide will help you safely identify mushrooms in the wild. Apps can also be helpful, but always cross-reference.
- Forage in the right places: Look for mushrooms in woodland areas, forests, and grasslands, away from pollution or chemical use. The best time to forage is usually in late summer to autumn when mushrooms are most abundant.
- Ask an expert: Joining a foraging group or going on a guided walk is an excellent way to learn the ropes safely. Experienced foragers can show you what to look for and help you avoid common mistakes.
- Check your haul: When you get home, double-check your mushrooms to ensure they’re safe to eat. If you have any doubts, don’t eat them.
Delicious Recipes Using Edible Mushrooms
- Wild Mushroom Risotto
Sauté your chosen edible mushrooms (like Grey Oyster or Field Blewits) with garlic and shallots before stirring them into a creamy risotto for a rich and satisfying meal. - Grilled Beefsteak Fungus
Marinate slices of Beefsteak Fungus in olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then grill them to bring out their meaty texture. Serve with a fresh salad or as a topping for toast. - Wood Ear Soup
Combine Wood Ear mushrooms with miso, tofu, and spring onions for a simple, flavour-packed soup. The rubbery texture of the mushrooms adds a unique element to the dish. - Cauliflower Fungus Stir-Fry
Slice young Cauliflower Fungus and stir-fry it with your favourite vegetables and a soy-based sauce for a quick and healthy dinner.
How to Store Edible Mushrooms
- Fresh mushrooms: Store them in a paper bag or a breathable container in the fridge. Use within 3-5 days.
- Dried mushrooms: If you find an abundance of mushrooms, drying them can extend their shelf life. Simply slice and hang or use a dehydrator, then store in an airtight container.
- Frozen mushrooms: If you prefer to freeze mushrooms, sauté them first to preserve their texture, then freeze in a single layer before transferring them to a bag or container.
More Mushroom Magic
Craving more mushroom inspiration?
Check out our guide: List of Edible Mushrooms with Pictures: 14 Wild Gems
Or take your foraging skills to the next level with our 90-Day Family Herbalist Course, where you can deepen your knowledge of mushrooms and herbal medicine!
I hope this Edible Mushrooms UK Pictures post has inspired you to explore the wild world of fungi 🍄✨
Do you have a favourite edible mushroom? Let me know in the comments!
