Horse Mushrooms

The horse mushroom (Agaricus arvensis) is also known by its French name, 'boule de neige', as it resembles a round snowball when young. As it matures, its creamy white cap flattens out so that it looks more like an upturned saucer or bowl. During this aging process, the cap becomes yellowish, staining brownish-yellow when handled. Its white stem is 5-15 cm long and 1-3 cm thick with a double ring rather like a cogwheel. Horse mushrooms are found in arcs and rings in grassy areas such as fields, lawns and meadows from July onwards.

These mushrooms are best when they are eaten young, as they become tough and dry with age. They have a thick, firm flesh that smells faintly of aniseed and a fairly strong flavour that works well in any recipe that calls for common mushrooms.

Beginners must take care when collecting this variety, since it can bear a resemblance to several poisonous mushrooms. Some people also display an allergic reaction when trying this mushroom for the first time.