coulemelle

Macrolepiota procera. One of the prettiest edible mushrooms, the coulemelle is also known as the lépiote élevée or filleul. It grows in pastures, sometimes in fairy rings, from spring until St Michael’s Day (29 September); another name for the mushroom is le Saint-Michel.

The cap can be as big as 50cm in diametre and covered with tiny scales encircling a brown nipple (le nez du chat or ‘cat’s nose’), that adds to its ornate appearance. It has a nutty aroma. Only the cap is edible.