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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend October 11, 2006 Louis Jeandin gathers chanterelles. (Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell) Mushrooms for all year BY Sarah Lemon Mail Tribune In his native France, having just two morels in hand is "a big deal," said Louis Jeandin. In Oregon, however, it's fairly easy to pick two pounds of the distinctive mushroom — if you know where to look. "Depending on where they are, you have to go and find them," Jeandin said. Scouring coastal forests and upland meadows on the weekends, Jeandin brings a fresh fungal forage back to the Rogue Valley each week for sale. But his small business — dubbed Mushrooms All Year — is almost as elusive as the very produce pickers so jealously hoard. "It's a niche," Jeandin said. Advertisement Augmenting a lifelong mushroom-hunting hobby and love of Oregon's climate and topography so similar to his native Savoie, the 52-year-old started off supplying mushrooms to small, local restaurants. The demand has only grown, Jeandin said. "Now the mushrooms are becoming the star of the dish." Four years ago, Jeandin realized "there's more to do" and began drying and packaging surplus fungus at his Phoenix home. He also works full time as a waiter at Jacksonville Inn. Albeit a "little guy," Jeandin picks about 1,000 pounds of fresh mushrooms a year, selling them at the Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters Market, Ashland Food Co-op and Market of Choice. His dried mushrooms can be found at the growers market, Jacksonville Inn's wine shop, Jacksonville Mercantile, Gary West Meats and Quality Market. Those who unearth Jeandin's mushrooms should expect a price that reflects the product's wild origins, a harvest done entirely by hand and an unpredictable yield. A half-ounce package of most dried mushrooms typically ranges from $5 to $8.50. But a little bit goes a long way, Jeandin cautioned. "It can change a whole taste of a dish." And with so many varieties to choose from, each morsel can be a new adventure. As the seasons turn, local morels give way to far-flung porcini, lobster, matsutake and chanterelle mushrooms. Now in high season, the golden, trumpet-shaped chanterelles will last through December. Starting around Christmas, the coveted Oregon truffle will emerge and sell for $5-$20 apiece, depending on the size and availability. Black trumpet, yellow foot and hedgehog mushrooms round out the forest's bounty. Despite their gourmet reputation, mushrooms benefit most from a simple preparation, Jeandin said. Sauteeing chanterelles and morels in a little butter and perhaps drizzling them with a light cream sauce lets their delicate, woodsy flavor shine through. Meatier mushrooms like matsutake, porcini and lobster pair well with a cheesy risotto. "If you make a smart menu, it can be affordable," he said. Jeandin created the following recipes for demonstration at an upcoming cooking class at The Willows Bed and Breakfast in Central Point. Guests can enjoy five courses of fall fungi and even a pickled-chanterelle martini, or "chantini." Jeandin also plans to put on a mushroom-lovers dinner Nov. 10 at the Jacksonville Inn. Call 899-1900 for more information. Reach reporter Sarah Lemon at 776-4487, or e-mail [email protected] Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Texas Electric Choice Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com