Many mushroom hunters prefer to do their foraging in the marketplace, where all the mushrooms are clearly labeled and safely edible. With this fact in mind, Arleen and Alan Bessette have written Taming the Wild Mushroom, one of the first cooking guides devoted exclusively to choosing and preparing the mushroom species now available in many grocery stores, supermarkets, and natural and whole foods markets. A dozen wild and cultivated species are covered in the book, including White Button, King Bolete, Oyster, Chanterelle, Morel, Paddy Straw, Wood Ear, Shiitake, Enokitake, White Matsutake, Black Truffle, and Wine-cap Stropharia. Easy-to-understand descriptions and excellent color photographs of each species help market foragers choose mushrooms in peak condition. Fifty-seven original, species-specific recipes, from appetizers, soups, and salads to meat and vegetarian entrees to sauces and accompaniments, offer dozens of ways to savor the familiar and exotic flavors of these mushrooms. A mouth-watering photograph accompanies each recipe.

Many mushroom hunters prefer to do their foraging in the marketplace, where all the mushrooms are clearly labeled and safely edible. With this in mind, the Bessettes have written one of the first cooking guides devoted exclusively to choosing and preparing the mushroom species now available in produce markets. Includes 57 original, species-specific recipes for appetizers, soups, salads, and meat and vegetarian entrees. 75 color photos. (University of Texas Press)

Whether the world's best truffles are found in Piedmont or Perigord inspires impassioned debate, but the effects of dwindling supply and insatiable demand for the elusive, ultimate mushroom are unquestionable: prices through the roof, intrigue and deception, and ever more intensive efforts to cultivate. The secrets of when, how, and where to collect truffles have benn passed from generation to generation since ancient times, but artificial cultivation remains the holy grail. Here in the most comprehensive practical treatment of the gastronomic treasure to date, the art and science of the high-stakes pursuit come together. Their enthusiasm and expertise leavened with wry humor, the authors explore the newest techniques; they describe the commercial species in detail along with their host plants, natural habitats, cultivation and mintenance, pests and diseases, and harvesting with pigs, dogs, truffle flies, and even the electronic nose. Pursuit of the fungus that costs more than gold is not for the faint of heart nor for those in a hurry, as under ideal conditions, truffle production in artificial truffieres can begin after three years but results may not be seen until a decade after planting, and maximum yields not for another decade still. So there is time to read and prepare, and no better source than this one.

Mycologists Alan and Arleen Bessette offer a field guide for the identification of common edible and poisonous mushrooms of New York State. Written for readers interested in the safe collection and consumption of a variety of mushrooms, this book includes identification keys for each species and detailed descriptions of poisonous species. In addition, the book is filled with vivid color photographs. Celebrating the culinary adventure of mushroom gathering, the authors include attractive recipes accompanied by photographs of the recipes' preparation. With concise, accurate, and easy-to-follow descriptions, the book provides a safe and reliable introduction to mushroom gathering.

North American Boletes is the first comprehensive guide to an extraordinary and highly prized group of mushrooms known for their beautiful colors, distinctive features, relative abundance, and ­edibility. The scope of this work goes beyond the identi­fication of species. The authors consider the sym­biotic relationship boletes share with higher plants and trees, their geographical ­distribution, and new information regarding the macrochemical test reactions of the boletes; they also describe several new species. The book’s unique combination of aesthetically appealing and scientifically accurate color photographs coupled with extensive descriptions makes it a standard reference work for bolete identification in North America. Special Features of the Book include: More than 450 color photographs illustrating more than 300 species Descriptions with accurate, updated nomenclature and a comments section that includes information on look-alike species and field observations Easy-to-follow keys constructed for both eastern and western North America that emphasize macroscopic features Nontechnical language and a glossary that make it an indispensable guide for professional as well as amateur mycologists Information on collecting, cooking, and ­pre­serving boletes