Sarah Brown
Mushrooms are incredibly common in Utah, with thousands of varieties growing in the state. Utahns have been foraging for mushrooms for years, with some varieties being so easily cultivated that they can be grown on a kitchen counter. The Mushroom Society of Utah, founded in 1993, organises regular meetings and guided forays into the Uintas to learn about local fungi. The state is also home to Mountain View Mushrooms, the largest producer and wholesaler of fresh mushrooms in the Intermountain West.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of mushroom types | Thousands |
| Edible mushrooms | Yes |
| Toxic mushrooms | Yes |
| Mushroom varieties | Puffballs, morels, meadow mushrooms, porcini/king bolete, chanterelles, shaggy manes, fly agaric, mica cap, agaricus bisporus, white button, crimini, portabello |
| Mushroom-related organizations | Mushroom Society of Utah, Mushrooms of Utah |
| Mushroom-growing companies | Mountain View Mushrooms |
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What You'll Learn
The Mushroom Society of Utah
The society provides resources and guidance on mushroom identification, emphasizing the importance of accurate identification to ensure food safety. They offer advice on evaluating morphological descriptions, understanding toxicity, and being aware of look-alikes that may be toxic. The society also provides information on cooking mushrooms properly to eliminate harmful toxins and reduce the risk of adverse reactions.
Through their activities and initiatives, the Mushroom Society of Utah promotes the safe and responsible enjoyment of mushrooms, fostering a community of enthusiasts who can connect with nature and each other through the study and appreciation of fungi.
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Common edible mushrooms in Utah
Mushrooms are incredibly common in Utah, with thousands of different types of mushrooms living in the state. While many mushrooms are poisonous, there are also several edible varieties. It is important to note that only fresh mushrooms should be consumed, and they should be thoroughly cooked to eliminate harmful toxins. Here are some common edible mushrooms found in Utah:
Porcini/King Bolete: These mushrooms are revered by foragers and chefs for their delicious flavor and large size, with some weighing over two pounds. They are typically found in forests, growing in groups of two or three beneath conifer or deciduous trees.
Morels: Morels have a cone shape and a sponge- or brain-like texture, with a light-colored stem. They are often found under Lodgepole pines and mature cottonwoods, preferring north or northeast slopes. There are three varieties found in Utah: black, gray, and yellow/white.
Puffballs: These mushrooms can be found in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
Meadow Mushrooms: Meadow mushrooms are another variety that can be found in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
Chanterelles: Chanterelles are a rewarding find for mushroom foragers in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
It is important to accurately identify mushrooms before consuming them, as there are many poisonous varieties that look similar to edible ones. It is recommended to consult with a mycologist or experienced foragers, such as those in the Mushroom Society of Utah, to ensure safe and enjoyable mushroom foraging in the state.
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Common poisonous mushrooms in Utah
Mushrooms are incredibly common in Utah, with thousands of different types of mushrooms living in the state. While some mushrooms are edible, there are many poisonous types, and some species can even be deadly. It is recommended that you never eat a mushroom you find in the wild unless you are with a mycologist (mushroom expert).
One common poisonous mushroom found in Utah is Fly Agaric. This fungus can cause hallucinations, low blood pressure, nausea, loss of balance, and in rare cases, death. Fly Agaric typically has a bright white stalk and a red, white-spotted cap, resembling the mushrooms found in Mario video games. Young mushrooms can be mistaken for edible types, so it is best to avoid eating any wild mushrooms.
Shaggy Mane mushrooms are also common in Utah and look very similar to poisonous varieties. These mushrooms have bell-shaped caps that are 1-2.5 cm in diameter when new and can expand up to 5 cm as they open. They grow in dense clusters with long, thin stems and are grayish-brown in colour. Mica Cap, a type of Shaggy Mane, should be avoided as it autodigests within hours of being picked, turning its flesh into an inky black liquid.
Other poisonous mushrooms found in Utah include false morels, which are among the most common causes of mushroom poisonings, and certain look-alikes of Chanterelles, which can be toxic but are not deadly. Boletes, a very difficult group to identify, include many toxic varieties, particularly those with yellow or red pores underneath the cap or blue staining. Milk caps and other Russula mushrooms are also difficult to identify, with a couple of deadly look-alikes, such as Blewit.
When foraging for mushrooms in Utah, it is important to be aware of anthropogenic chemicals. Mushrooms found in urban areas may have absorbed toxins from the soil, air, or treated wood, especially near busy roads or dump sites. It is recommended to only eat fresh mushrooms and to cook them thoroughly, as heat can eliminate harmful toxins. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out!
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Mushroom foraging in Utah
Mushroom foraging is a popular activity in Utah, with thousands of different types of mushrooms living in the state. The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is a particularly good spot for mushroom foraging, with edible varieties such as puffballs, morels, meadow mushrooms, and chanterelles rewarding your time and effort. The Uinta Mountains, in particular, have become quite popular among local mushroom enthusiasts due to the ample rain and snowfall in the area, which has made edible mushrooms more abundant.
While foraging for mushrooms in Utah can be a rewarding experience, it is important to exercise caution as many mushrooms in the state are poisonous. It is recommended to never eat a mushroom that you find in the wild unless you are with a mycologist or mushroom expert. Some mushrooms, such as Fly Agaric, are highly toxic and can cause hallucinations, low blood pressure, nausea, loss of balance, and even death. Even mushrooms that are not toxic may have absorbed toxins from the soil, air, or treated wood if they are foraged in urban areas. Therefore, it is important to only consume mushrooms that have been thoroughly cooked, as heat can eliminate harmful toxins.
To accurately identify edible mushrooms, it is important to carefully evaluate the mushroom and read morphological descriptions of all possible species. Second opinions are always recommended, and it is better to throw out a mushroom if you are not 100% sure of its identity. The Mushroom Society of Utah is a valuable resource for mushroom foragers in the state, providing regular meetings and guided forays into the Uintas to learn about local fungi. Their Facebook group, Mushrooms of Utah, is also a great resource for amateur mushroom collectors, providing information on various aspects of toxicity and helping people identify mushrooms by their scientific names.
In addition to the Uinta Mountains and the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, there are many other spots in Utah that are popular for mushroom foraging. Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons in the Salt Lake Valley, Kanab in southern Utah, and Vernal in the Uinta Mountains are all destinations for mushroom foragers. Sometimes, you may even find mushrooms in your own front yard, as is the case for forager Tama Anderson, who finds different varieties of mushrooms in her half-acre yard full of trees.
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Mushroom cultivation in Utah
Mushrooms are incredibly common in Utah, with thousands of different types of mushrooms living in the state. Utah is home to a wide variety of mushrooms, including puffballs, morels, meadow mushrooms, porcini/king bolete, and chanterelles. Many of these mushrooms can be found in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
While some mushrooms found in Utah are edible, it is important to exercise caution as many varieties are poisonous and can be dangerous or even fatal if consumed. It is recommended to only eat fresh mushrooms and to thoroughly cook them before consumption, as cooking can help eliminate harmful toxins. It is also advised to avoid consuming mushrooms that have been foraged from areas treated with herbicides or pesticides, near busy roads, or near dump sites, as they may have absorbed toxins.
The Mushroom Society of Utah is a volunteer-run and membership-based organisation founded in 1993 that promotes the safe identification and discussion of mushrooms. The society offers guided forays into the Uintas to learn about local fungi and provides resources for identifying mushrooms, including books and online groups. Additionally, Mountain View Mushrooms, the largest producer and wholesaler of fresh mushrooms in the Intermountain West, is located in Fillmore, Utah, and offers farm tours to the public.
For those interested in cultivating mushrooms, the Mushroom Society of Utah provides kits, sacrament spores, instructions, and a peer-to-peer support community. Mushroom cultivation can be a fun and easy way to connect with nature and explore the fascinating world of fungi.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mushrooms are incredibly common in Utah and come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. There are thousands of different types of mushrooms that live in Utah.
Some common types of mushrooms found in Utah include Fly Agaric, Shaggy Manes, Puffballs, Morels, Meadow Mushrooms, Porcini/King Bolete, and Chanterelles.
Yes, many mushrooms in Utah are poisonous and should not be consumed. It is important to accurately identify mushrooms before eating them and to only consume fresh mushrooms that have been thoroughly cooked.
Yes, foraging for mushrooms is a popular activity in Utah. However, it is important to be cautious and only forage with an experienced group or individual who can help identify edible mushrooms.
Yes, there is a volunteer-run and membership-based organization called the Mushroom Society of Utah founded in 1993. They hold regular meetings in SLC and guided forays into the Uintas to learn about local fungi. There is also a Facebook group called Mushrooms of Utah dedicated to amateur mushroom collectors and providing information on mushroom toxicity.
