Patrice Bouscarrut
Prohibited for sale for the previously explained reasons concerning its toxicity, you can find the Bidaou by going to pick it yourself in the pine tree forests along the coast, over a coastal strip of 2 to 3 kilometres. Do be sure to check with a pharmacist that you have picked the right mushroom.
Commonly found in the Landes right up to the tip of the Médoc, the Bidaou (in Gascon) or Tricholoma equestre is a mushroom that held in particularly high esteem in the region. However, its sweetness of taste contrasts with a nefarious reputation. Indeed, the Bidaou is a mushroom in a class of its own, as a mushroom that can be both edible and toxic. Before eating this mushroom, you should therefore be aware of a few basic points about it. The Bidaou does not present a particular danger if eaten occasionally. However, it can potentially be hazardous (mortal even) if eaten on several occasions and over a short period of time, particularly for people in frail health.
The Confrérie du Bidaou et de la Chanterelle association in Carcans proudly touts the Bidaou at the heart of local cuisine.
