sheep foot
To be returned
Sheep's feet or better known as Pied de mouton are small to large, averaging 5-17 centimeters in diameter, and are irregular in shape with a flattened, depressed cap and a thin, off-center stem. The smooth hat can be convex or convex, is dry, thick and firm, and varies in color from yellow, tan to orange. The hat also has wavy edges and when ripe, the edges may crack. Under the hat are many cream-colored teeth or spore-bearing spines that hang down instead of gills. The stems are also white, orange or tan, on average 3-10 centimeters long, and depending on the species hollow in the center. When cooked, hedgehog mushrooms have a fruity aroma and chewable texture with an earthy, nutty, peppery and smoky flavor.
PREPARATION
Sheep feet or more commonly known as Pied du mouton are best suited for cooked uses, such as boiling or sautéing. They can be sautéed and served over steak, baked into patties or pies, stacked on toast, cooked in soups and stews, or cooked in a filling. They can also be simmered in white wine or cream based sauces and served in pastas, stir-fries and side dishes with vegetables, as the mushroom absorbs the matching flavors easily. Hedgehog mushrooms can be used in recipes as a substitute for chanterelles and are also ideal for canning or preserving, as the texture and taste are well preserved. Hedgehog mushrooms go well with bay leaves, allspice, bell pepper, thyme and other fresh herbs, garlic, onion, green onions, chives, leeks, carrots, zucchini, peas, cauliflower, red potatoes, white vinegar, soy sauce, bacon, veal, poultry, beef, and Parmesan cheese. They will keep for up to two weeks if stored loosely in the refrigerator and up to a few months if stored in the freezer.
The main benefit of eating Sheep Feet is nutritional value. The mushroom is low in fat and calories, high in protein, and rich in several minerals, especially iron and manganese, although it is also a very good source of magnesium, calcium and zinc. Potential medicinal benefits include antitumor activity and antimicrobial activity, although these have not yet been extensively researched. Repandiol, a chemical isolated from the sheep's feet, shows strong antitumor activity in vitro. Several mushroom extracts were also found to be at least partially effective against test microorganisms in culture. These substances have not been studied in human clinical studies, and although hedgehog is commonly referred to as an "edible and medicinal mushroom", it is rarely included in commercially available mushroom supplements.
Other Names
- Sheep's foot (Dutch)Semmelstoppelpilz (German)Pied de mouton (Frams)Hydnum repandum (Latin)Wood hedgehog (English)
