Fruits of the Forest - by Daniel Winkler (Paperback)

About the Book

Authoritative, opinionated, and visually striking field guide to the Pacific Northwest's edible mushrooms by a leading expert

Book Synopsis

"This is a must-have book for mushroom hunters in the Pacific Northwest."― North American Mycological Association

• Key characteristics for each species to aid in identification
• Full-color photographs depicting each featured species
• Includes recipes for simple backcountry fare to elaborate dishes

With details for harvesting everything from the ever-popular golden chanterelles to the red-cracked bolete, Fruits of the Forest will appeal to both the novice and the avid mushroom hunter. Lifelong mushroom educator and expert Daniel Winkler presents 170+ edible wild mushrooms that flourish across our region, from Northern California to British Columbia. Comprehensive yet accessible and full of personality, this full-color field guide features habitat and seasonality, how to store and prep different varieties, tips for differentiating look-alike species, and much more.

Not only does Winkler have vast experience finding, identifying, and collecting mushrooms, he has also spent decades preparing various species in all sorts of meals. He presents a few dozen recipes, ranging from Chanterelles in Cream Sauce to Bold Bolete Quiche, Breaded Saffron Milkcaps to Candy Cap Butter Cookies. Winkler shares notes on mushroom culture around the world, tips on foraging, ideas for preserving mushrooms, and suggestions for medicinal teas and extracts. With Fruits of the Forest in hand, a delicious world of fungi tastes awaits!

Review Quotes

This newer addition to the existing selection of mushroom foraging guides is one of my favorites. Not only is the information solid and the pictures excellent, but Winkler adds in a lot of other great information, like how to tell very similar species apart, cooking tips and what exactly happens when you eat one of the deadly Amanita species.--Rebecca Lexa "Coast Weekend"

[...] the information presented is accurate and, when it comes to edibility, it is often based on Daniel's first-hand experience. The photos are of decent size and show the mushrooms well.--Steve Trudell, author of Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest "FUNGI Magazine"

Winkler's comprehensive guide for PNW mushrooms is essential for fungophiles of all ages, whether you keep it in the kitchen or in your backpack, you'll be glad its nearby.--Eric Ogriseck "Pegasus Book Exchange"

This is a must-have book for mushroom hunters in the Pacific Northwest.--Melodie Gates "North American Mycological Association"

It is a pleasure to recommend this book for those interested in the edibility of mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest.--Fred Rhoades "Mycological Society of America"

[This] book is the one I wish I had 48 years ago when I moved to Oregon (and ever since). It will make a wonderful gift for all my favorite mushroom hunting friends!--David Pilz, mycologist

Engaging and entertaining. So much more readable and useful compared to many other recent field guides.--Denis Benjamin, M.D., author of Mushrooms: Poisons and Panaceas

Fantastic book! The production is excellent and I love everything about it!--Robert Rogers, author of Fungal Pharmacy

Fruits of the Forest is a must read for mushroom foragers everywhere! Although the information is based on foraging in the Pacific Northwest the information is invaluable for mushroomers everywhere. This should be on every foragers shelf!--Gina Reinhard, longtime mushroom hunter

I give Fruits of the Forest superlative acclaim! This richly and superb illustrated book fulfills the long awaited need for presenting edible PNW mushrooms and their imposters to lay people by easy to understand vocabulary and common mushroom names based on visible characteristics.--Greg Hovander, clinical pharmacist, naturalist, and mycologist

My favorite mushroom book so far.--Angela G., mushroom hunter

Simply beautiful. Daniel is an accomplished photographer and the book is full of color photos that clearly show you what the Mushroom looks like. The descriptions are detailed and comprehensive yet easily read and understood by someone who knows little about Mushrooms.--Scott Cowan "Exploring Washington State Podcast"

Superb, an instant classic!--Drew Parker, author of A Simple Guide to Common Mushrooms of the Northwest

The book fills a huge hole in the available information about our edible fungal abundance! It answers all my questions.--Chuck N., longtime mushroom hunter

A mycologist's new best friend.--Lisa Jaffe "Seattle Refined"

In this exquisitely illustrated field guide to the edible mushrooms of the moist Pacific Northwest, photographer and mycologist Daniel Winkler has assembled a treasure trove of background information for both the novice and the experienced collector.--Aron Row "Portland Book Review"

A rich, engaging and helpful field guide.-- "Fungal Diversity Survey "Funga Decoded""

[Fruits of the Forest] is beautiful, well written, useful and easy to use, and it is the perfect companion for anyone thinking of foraging for mushrooms, not just for mushroomers.--Elinoar Shavit, ethnomycologist and FUNGI magazine contributing editor

There are lots of books about mushrooms, but Daniel Winkler's new book fills a hole. It's focused on edible mushrooms in the Pacific Northwest, giving local foragers of any experience level the tools to safely identify, responsibly harvest, store and cook the tasty fungal treats that flourish in our fields and forests.... At the end of the book is a goldmine of recipes, including bolete butter, mushroom jerky and a sturdy collection of unusual soups, main dishes and even desserts.--Meg Olson "Mount Baker Experience"