Funghi
Wood Hedgehog
S tier
Wood hedgehog is the everyday English name for Hydnum repandum—pale spiny undersides, chunky pale caps in broadleaf and mixed woods. Sweet, slightly peppery when raw, mellowing to nutty when cooked. One of the safest-looking prime edibles for trained foragers. Cut in half to check firmness; cook like chanterelles but they hold shape even better. Freezes reasonably after pre-cook.
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Unit
Characteristics
Preparations
Freeze Pre-cookedPan RoastSautéSoup
Traits
Beginner Prime EdibleEnglish Common NameFirmFirm FleshMixed WoodlandSpinySweet-NuttyWoodland
History
GB
British field guides popularised wood hedgehog as a common name.
GB
Foraging revivals taught wood hedgehog as a beginner-friendly edible.
Restaurant suppliers listed wood hedgehog among seasonal wild lines.
Social media foragers made wood hedgehog a recognised autumn target.