Eating galls... For science - July 2023
Gall 1: Andricus foecundatrix on Quercus pyrenaica.
Date: July 26
Taste: Leaf-like, somewhat resembling bitter lettuce or dandelion leaves.
Texture: As tough as leaves, slightly crunchy. The "leaves" contain a watery liquid.
Smell: None noticed.
Notes: It does feel like eating an artichoke, but it does not really taste like one. Maybe I should try raw artichoke and see if it is more similar.
Gall 2: Cynips divisa on Quercus pyrenaica
Date: July 26
Taste: Very similar to the taste of a grape, just less sweet. I'm certain that if someone unaware that it is a gall tried one, they would think it is a grape. Unfortunately I did not test this. Could also be compared to fleshy Prunus fruits, such as plums.
Texture: Also comparable to grapes, the skin as well as the fleshy inside.
Smell: None noticed but might smell of grapes in larger quantities or if it was crushed.
Notes: Another one that isn't disgusting but in fact tasty and "edible".
Gall 3: Wachtliella ericina on Erica arborea (Not the ones on the observation below)
Date: July 30
Taste: Also bitter and leaf-like, close to dandelion leaves/bitter lettuce.
Texture: Leaf-like, but tough enough that it has to be chewed.
Notes: The gall is made up of many layers of "leaves" that can be easily peeled off, and they are held together by some sort of silk(?), perhaps produced by the larva.
Unremarkable galls:
Andricus curvator on Quercus pyrenaica: This might have been an old gall but the fresher ones I've seen aren't too different. Woody and dry texture and taste.
Diplolepis eglanteriae on Rosa sp.: Barely has any taste, just wood-like. The outside is brittle and the inside is not too fleshy, it is just a cavity where the larva sits.
Diplolepis rosae on Rosa sp.: Too hairy, and these hairs are unremarkable in taste, just somewhat leaf-like. The inner gall might have not been developed enough, nonetheless it might have a dry woody taste.
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