🍄 Wrinkled drake (Verpa bohemica) - dried

Verpa bohemica (dried) - Your mushroom treasure for the kitchen

Occurrence

Verpa bohemica, also known as Bohemian carrots or spring morels, are a special delicacy among mushroom lovers. These mushrooms grow mainly in early spring, mostly in sparse forests, on damp soils or along riverbanks. You can find them in Europe, North America and Asia, where they often thrive under deciduous trees such as ash or elm. In dried form, they are available all year round to add flavor to your dishes.

Applications

Dried Verpa bohemica is versatile and gives your dishes an intense, earthy flavor. You can use them in soups, sauces, risottos or as a garnish. Drying enhances their aroma, and after soaking they develop their full flavor. Their delicate texture makes them ideal for elegant and delicate dishes.

Recipes

1. Creamy Verpa bohemica soup
   Soak the dried Verpa bohemica in warm water for about 30 minutes. Fry the onions and garlic in butter in a pan, add the soaked mushrooms and deglaze with a little white wine. Pour in the vegetable stock and simmer for about 20 minutes. Puree the soup, stir in the cream and season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Garnished with fresh herbs, this soup is a real treat.
2. Verpa bohemica risotto
   Sauté the onions in olive oil, add the risotto rice and cook until translucent. Deglaze with white wine and add the soaked Verpa bohemica together with its soaking water. Gradually stir in the vegetable stock until the rice is cooked. Finally, fold in some parmesan and fresh parsley - and your creamy mushroom risotto is perfect.

Storage

Dried Verpa bohemica is best stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. This will preserve their aroma for a long time and you can enjoy them for months. Once soaked, however, you should use the mushrooms within two days and store them in the fridge.

Dangers and side effects

Although Verpa bohemica is considered edible, you should enjoy it with caution. When raw, they can be poisonous and there are reports of intolerances such as nausea or stomach upset. Avoid consuming large quantities and always cook them well to minimize risks.