Fly agaric is poisonous if eaten, but not usually fatal, unless ingested in great quantities. (It’s suggested that something like 10 mushrooms would have to be eaten to kill . . . ) Historically, it has been used as a basic insecticide; pieces of the red cap were broken off and added to milk, its smell attracting flies, intoxicating and killing them.
Fly agaric has an association with Christmas, from a hangover or crossover from earlier pagan associations. It is believed that Father Christmas’ jolly red and white robes were inspired by the colouring of the mushroom. Fly agaric often features on Christmas cards.
Why do reindeer fly? Maybe they ate Fly agaric – in Siberia, reindeer have been observed becoming intoxicated by them, though I’m not sure if they have ever eaten them. Some records suggest that the Siberian herders fed the mushrooms to the reindeer and then drank their urine to experience the hallucinogenic effects. The only other mammals that eat them occasionally are red squirrels. Otherwise, they are consumed by slugs and fungus gnats (sciarid flies)
My breakfast was not toxic, but very filling – porridge, strawberries, dates, grapes, pumpkin seeds and yoghourt.
I don't think I have ever seen a real fly agaric toadstool, only the plastic or resin ones in cheap shops, sold as garden decorations. And I have a large home made one in my garden. I eat my breakfast porridge plain these days, just the oats, water and milk, a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar, zapped in the microwave.
ReplyDeleteI like cinnamon - it adds a lovely flavour.
DeleteBreakfast is a moveable feast in our house as well. It is rarely eaten at all, or eaten at the front door going to the car. Your strawberries look delicious, as would sectors of fresh oranges or pears. And that is enough.
ReplyDeleteBreakfast is supposed to be the most important meal of the day, but I can easily go without it.
DeleteThe Beatrix Potter illustrations are beautiful. Fly agaric is one to avoid eating but is attractive to observe
ReplyDeleteThey are very pretty in the woods.
DeleteGood idea not to eat fly agaric for breakfast!
ReplyDeleteMy breakfast is the ultimate 'immovable feast'! (6:30 am, muesli well soaked with natural yoghurt, milk, banana and berries). The only element that changes according to season is the type of berry.
Cheers, Gail.
PS I do sometimes go for porridge on very cold winter mornings.
Muesli is nice and very satisfying.
DeleteI would prefer porridge or muesli with fruit and yogurt for my breakfast but P is always up before me and makes coffee and toast.
ReplyDeleteI love buttered toast!
DeleteStunning illustration, I would love to be able to sketch and create beautiful images.
ReplyDeleteBeatrix Potter was so talented.
DeleteThat's a very healthy breakfast, perhaps best eaten at breakfast time. I know, I know. Some people don't feel like eating in the early morning. It's a healthy lunch too.
ReplyDeleteI really find breakfast at breakfast time difficult.
DeleteI always eat breakfast and I am horrified when I meet my daughter for coffee and she ‘ hasn't had time’ for breakfast! I actually think it’s the best meal of the day! I generally have a bowl of cereal to set me up for the day but I do love porridge throughout the winter months. When I was teaching and leaving for school fairly early each day, I made sure that I always had breakfast…and insisted that so did my children! It’s so important for children to have their breakfast before they begin the school day, I think.
ReplyDeleteI’ve never seen the Fly Agaric! It’s one that has remained elusive, in spite of many woodland walks and spending my childhood playing in the woods. It would be a real treat to spot one!
Enjoy the day! Lovely and sunny here but for how long, who knows?! 😁
I always made sure my children had a good breakfast, too. They can't function without it.
DeleteTasty strawberries, and lovely to look at toadstool. I never touch any I see as I would not know safe from deadly. But I do enjoy seeing the many kinds I have.
ReplyDeleteI would never trust myself to identify good from bad, but I enjoy seeing them in the woods.
DeleteNow, that sounds like the breakfast of champions, Reindeer pee!
ReplyDeleteTasty! ;-)
DeleteWe are breakfast eaters, often in the past toast has dominated with loads of butter and homemade marmalade but I'm on a 'cut down ' so oats feature much more now. I'm a big fan of a full English too but that has to be a very occasional treat.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
A full English is a treat, but later in the day, maybe as brunch!
DeleteThe small rural elementary school on our road once had a long row of pine trees with dozens of fabulous amanitas clustered beneath them (like a fairy tale illustration). Then someone felt they were a possible danger and removed them, both trees and amanitas (they're often found near pines). (The trees weren't on the playground, but along the drive.) I would love to see the Findlay book; I read "A Victorian Naturalist" about Beatrix Potter's beautiful fungi illustrations.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a shame. We are becoming so risk-averse that soon there will be nothing left to wonder at. Children can be taught not to touch!
DeleteFun facts. I'll skip the reindeer urine in favor of your berry delicious breakfast.
ReplyDeleteVery wise:-)
DeleteFunnily enough, the first thing that popped in my mind when I saw your breakfast was the resemblance to fly agaric too! Wouldn't want to eat those for breakfast, that's for sure! xxx
ReplyDeleteGreat minds and all that . . . ;-)
DeleteI saw the heading breakfast and was expecting to see eggs!
ReplyDeleteThat is what started my day today :)
However your breakfast of porridge, strawberries, dates, grapes, pumpkin seeds and yoghourt sounded good.... and the facts about Fly agaric was an interesting read.
All the best Jan
It's a very satisfying breakfast.
ReplyDeleteHi Janice - I'm one of the few ... who if I eat much breakfast, practically any, feel ill for the rest of the day ... strange but true - my metabolism works the other way. GIve me one of the breakfasts from above and I might as well go to sleep for the rest of the day - such is life ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteEating makes me want to eat more, but I don't usually eat anything much before 10 or 11, or later.
ReplyDelete