healingwords: poetry for the soul

The creamy richness of these mushrooms reminded me of dumplings rising together in a steamy stew. I am impressed by the number of fungi experts and lovers who identify, cook and enjoy the bounty from the woods and meadows. Here the 'seta' is the prized autumn fruit, its location kept secret, the large earthy terracotta gills brushed carefully free of soil, sizzled with a little olive oil and sprinkled with salt.  © 2019 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved.  

Just as we are watching the trees lose their leaves in Autumn's release, the woodland floor is speckled with new life. Overnight fungal spores buried deep in the earth sprout into a display ranging from the tiniest finger size parasol to the bright, flashy spotted caps that attract our attention. Soon locals in the know will be going to their secret patches in Valencian woods to hunt for 'setas', the mustard coloured, fleshy mushroom which is a prized treat here in Autumn.  © 2019 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved.