Winecap Mushrooms

Stropharia rugoso-annulata

Winecap mushrooms also known as king stropharia or garden giants are easy to cultivate, easy to identify, and delicious! Winecaps grow in woody debris including hardwood mulch and have a habit of wandering around the garden. Once established, they’ll show up wherever conditions are favorable. The cap is centered on the stem and is tan to dark burgundy depending on the strain and light exposure. The mushroom has purple gills and spores, white to creamy flesh, and a distinctive ring that covers the gills. This mushroom is native across North America. Winecaps are not generally grown indoors and therefore they are seasonal. They tend to fruit in spring and fall.

Winecaps have a nutty and robust umami flavor. They can be used anywhere a button, portabella, or cremini mushroom would be used. Large caps can be grilled. Eating winecap mushrooms for more than 3 days in a row can result in intestinal upset.

References

Cotter, T. (2014). Organic mushroom farming and mycoremediation: Simple to advanced and experimental techniques for indoor and outdoor cultivation. Chelsea Green Publishing.

Stamets, P. (2020, Oct. 10) Cultivating and Cooking Garden Giants with Paul Stamets. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TERv85b9krI