Why Use Dried Wild Mushrooms?
Since Roman Times mushrooms have had a special place on the shelves of many a cooks kitchen, and for a variety of reasons. Since medieval times mushrooms were cloaked in mystery, myth, and sometimes evil, but since the mid eighteenth century that perception has changed. In fact during the early nineteenth century mushrooms became a preference for the noblemen and the rich. Fresh mushrooms were used when available, but in many cases they were collected, dried and kept on the pantry shelf for special dishes. Even then it is was recognized that certain mushrooms were not always available during certain seasons.
