Agaricus Campestris

Agaricus campestris, commonly known as the Meadow Mushroom, is a white, gilled, edible fungus closely related to the common button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus). It grows in open grassy areas, particularly meadows, pastures, and lawns, and is widely foraged across North America, Europe, and other temperate regions. With its mild, pleasant taste and firm texture, it has long been a favorite among wild mushroom enthusiasts.

History

The Meadow Mushroom has a long history of human use, dating back to ancient Europe where it was commonly collected and consumed. It was widely eaten before the cultivation of the button mushroom became industrialized. Its close resemblance to cultivated species has made it a trusted wild edible, though it also requires careful identification due to the presence of poisonous lookalikes like Amanita species.

Despite being highly perishable and difficult to cultivate commercially, it remains popular in rural and foraging cultures for its flavor and availability in open fields during rainy seasons.

Overview

Agaricus campestris features a smooth white cap (5–10 cm), pink to brown gills that darken with age, and a short, sturdy stem with a small ring. It bruises slightly brown and emits a mild, pleasant mushroom scent. It typically appears in fairy rings or scattered patterns in grassy areas, especially after rains.

This mushroom is rich in protein, B vitamins, and antioxidants. It is commonly sautéed, grilled, or added to soups and omelets. As with all wild mushrooms, foragers should be certain of proper identification before consuming, due to possible confusion with toxic white mushrooms like Amanita virosa.