Emma Wilson
Montana is home to a variety of mushrooms, from the coveted matsutake to the deadly Amanita. With such a wide variety of fungi, it's no surprise that there are classes on identifying wild mushrooms in the state. Montana State University's Schutter Diagnostic Laboratory provides information on collecting mushrooms for identification and offers resources such as workshops and classes to help residents learn about mushroom identification and safe foraging practices. Additionally, the Montana Folk School offers an Introduction to Foraging Edible Mushrooms course, covering basic biology, identification techniques, safety practices, and more. Beyond these formal educational opportunities, Montana is also home to mushroom clubs, such as the Southwest Montana Mycological Society and the Western Montana Mycological Association, which organize forays and provide a community for mushroom enthusiasts to connect and learn from each other.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Montana |
| Mushroom type | Wild |
| Classes | Introduction to Foraging Edible Mushrooms |
| Organisations | Montana State University, Montana Folk School |
| Mushroom clubs | Southwest Montana Mycological Society, Western Montana Mycological Association |
| Mushroom types | Amanita, Black morel, Yellow morel, Lobster mushroom, Gold chanterelle, Matsutake |
| Poison prevention | Learn key characteristics, Wash well, Cook at the right temperature, Educate yourself on shelf life and storage |
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What You'll Learn
Wild mushroom foraging clubs in Montana
Montana is home to a variety of wild mushroom foraging clubs, which are an excellent way to learn about the edible species in the region. The state's diverse landscapes, including conifer and aspen forests, burned coniferous forests, and riparian areas, provide a range of habitats for mushroom growth. Here is some information about wild mushroom foraging clubs in Montana:
- Southwest Montana Mycological Society: Based in Bozeman, this club can be contacted through Don Mathre. They hold regular forays in the spring and fall, providing opportunities for members to explore and learn about wild mushrooms. The Southwest Montana Mycological Society is an excellent resource for those living in and around Bozeman who are interested in mushroom foraging and identification.
- Western Montana Mycological Association: Located in Missoula, this club offers workshops, forays, and other events focused on mushroom identification and foraging. They host workshops at the local library and their spring foray during Memorial Day weekend is a highlight for members. The Western Montana Mycological Association is a great choice for those in Missoula seeking community and education around wild mushrooms.
- Montana Folk School: Offering an "Introduction to Foraging Edible Mushrooms," this school provides classes in the greater Missoula area. The course covers basic biology, identification techniques, safety practices, and more. It is an excellent option for beginners who want a structured learning experience.
In addition to these clubs and classes, Montana also has a variety of workshops, books, mushroom festivals, and fairs that can enhance your knowledge of mushroom identification and foraging. It is important to remember that proper identification of mushrooms is crucial, as some species, like Amanita, can be deadly. Foraging spots are often closely guarded secrets, but areas that have recently experienced fires, like the Cougar Meadow area of West Yellowstone NP, are known to be productive for mushroom hunters.
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Identifying Amanita mushrooms
If you are interested in learning how to identify wild mushrooms in Montana, there are several resources available to you, including workshops, classes, books, and mushroom festivals. Montana is home to at least two mushroom clubs: the Southwest Montana Mycological Society, based in Bozeman, and the Western Montana Mycological Association, based in Missoula. Both of these clubs hold regular forays in the spring and fall, which can be a great way to learn about the edible mushroom species in your area.
One genus of mushrooms that you may encounter in Montana is Amanita. Amanita mushrooms are easily identifiable by their caps, rings, and swollen cups. The cap of an Amanita mushroom is typically dry and feels smooth to the touch. Many have pieces of the universal veil attached to their caps, either as warts or irregular patches. The caps are often bright red with distinctive white warts, though some species may have yellow warts. The gills of an Amanita mushroom are free and not attached to the stem, and the stem itself may have a ring or skirt, with a cup at the base. Microscopic characteristics include either amyloid or inamyloid (but never dextrinoid) spores, and divergent gill tissue.
When identifying Amanita mushrooms, it is important to look at a range of features, including physical size, shape, texture, colour, smell, and growing habitat. Knowing the types of trees nearby can often help with identification. One distinctive feature of Amanita mushrooms is their smell, which can become more obvious when the gills are crushed between clean fingers or when a piece of the cap is stored in a sealed plastic box for a few minutes. However, it is important to never taste any Amanita-like mushrooms, as this genus contains some deadly poisonous species.
Amanita buttons, the small egg-shaped immature mushrooms, can be particularly dangerous as they resemble puffballs. To identify Amanita buttons, cut the mushroom open and look for rudimentary gills that look like small blades. True puffballs will not have these gills. Another way to identify Amanita mushrooms is to dig out the underground stem base to check its basal features, including whether the bottom of the stem is bulbous or parallel, the presence of a volva, and the colours of the inside and outside.
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How to forage for edible mushrooms safely
Montana is home to a wide variety of mushrooms, some edible and some poisonous. If you're interested in foraging for wild mushrooms, it's important to take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to forage for edible mushrooms safely:
Learn the Basics
Start by educating yourself about mushrooms. Familiarize yourself with the different types of edible mushrooms and their unique characteristics. Montana is home to the Southwest Montana Mycological Society and the Western Montana Mycological Association, both of which hold regular forays, workshops, and classes to help you learn how to identify and forage for edible mushrooms safely. Additionally, seek out field guides, books, online resources, and apps to enhance your knowledge. Understanding the basics will help you make informed decisions while foraging.
Know the Key Characteristics
Certain characteristics can help you distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms. For example, the Amanita genus contains some of the deadliest mushroom species, and they can be identified by their free gills, ring or skirt on the stem, and a cup at the base. On the other hand, morels, chicken of the woods, and black trumpets are relatively easy to identify and are commonly found in the wild. Learning these key characteristics will enable you to make safer choices.
Choose Your Foraging Location Wisely
When foraging for mushrooms, select areas that are clean and free from pollutants and harmful chemicals. Keep in mind that foraging may not be legal everywhere, so be sure to review the regulations in your area before heading out. It's also advisable to forage in locations that are not too remote and are relatively close to medical facilities in case of any adverse reactions.
Inspect Before Consuming
Before consuming any foraged mushrooms, thoroughly inspect them to ensure they are safe to eat. Check for signs of spoilage, such as old or rotten mushrooms, as these can cause poisoning. Additionally, when trying a new type of mushroom for the first time, eat only a small amount to ensure it agrees with your body. Remember the forager's adage: "When in doubt, throw it out!"
Bring the Right Tools
Having the right tools can enhance your foraging experience and safety. Basic tools and equipment, such as field guides, can help you identify mushrooms more accurately. Additionally, consider bringing tools like a small knife for harvesting, a brush to clean the mushrooms, and a basket or container to carry your foraged mushrooms. These tools will make your foraging trip more efficient and enjoyable.
Stay Informed and Practice Caution
Mushroom identification and foraging is a complex task, and even experts can make mistakes. Stay up to date with the latest information and resources, and always practice caution when consuming wild mushrooms. Remember, it's your responsibility to verify the identity and edibility of the mushrooms you collect. By staying informed and cautious, you can minimize the risks associated with mushroom foraging.
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Types of edible mushrooms in Montana
Montana is home to a variety of wild mushrooms, but it's important to know how to identify them safely before consuming them. Montana State University offers resources for learning about wild mushrooms, including workshops, classes, books, and mushroom festivals. There are also at least two mushroom clubs in the state: the Southwest Montana Mycological Society, based in Bozeman, and the Western Montana Mycological Association, based in Missoula. Both clubs hold regular forays in the spring and fall. Additionally, the Montana Folk School offers an introductory course on the basics of foraging for edible mushrooms in the greater Missoula area.
Morel mushrooms are one of Montana's most sought-after edible mushrooms. They have a unique, brain-like appearance and can often be found in mountainous forest fire burn areas, along rivers and streams, and on islands, near old growths of cottonwood trees. Black morels, in particular, can be found fruiting during the mid to late spring in conifer and aspen forests, especially in burned coniferous forests one to two years after a wildfire.
Puffball mushrooms are another delicious treat that can be found throughout Montana. The key to harvesting edible puffballs is to look for those with a white and firm interior, as opposed to the brittle, dusty inside of older puffballs. Edible puffballs also have no stalks and grow close to the ground, making them distinct from their stalked relatives.
Oyster mushrooms, also known as "stumpies," are another edible variety found in Montana. These mushrooms form shelves on the lower trunks of trees, such as pines and cottonwoods, often along riverbanks like the Yellowstone. It's best to harvest oyster mushrooms before bugs take up residence in the gill area, although a few extra proteins never hurt anyone!
While boletes are another edible mushroom found in Montana, they are less commonly found in Southwest Montana compared to other regions. When harvesting wild mushrooms, it is important to trim them close to the ground or tree rather than pulling them out entirely to preserve the mycelium, the network of thin threads that form the body of the fungus.
It is important to note that proper identification of mushrooms is crucial to avoid consuming poisonous varieties. The Amanita genus, for example, contains some of the deadliest mushroom species, and their immature forms can be mistaken for puffballs. Always learn the key characteristics of poisonous mushrooms and verify the identity and edibility of any wild mushroom before consuming it.
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How to identify and prepare wild mushrooms
Montana is home to a plethora of mushrooms, with at least two mushroom clubs in the state offering regular forays in the spring and fall. These clubs are a great way to learn about the edible species and how to identify and forage for mushrooms safely.
How to Identify Wild Mushrooms
Mushroom identification goes beyond just colour and size. There are several crucial factors to observe, and it takes practice to become proficient. Some mushrooms display a chemical reaction when exposed to certain substances, while others are distinguished by microscopic characteristics. Here are some key characteristics to look out for:
- The shape and structure of the cap, ring, gills, stem, and cup at the base are important for identification. For example, Amanita mushrooms have free gills that are not attached to the stem, a ring or skirt on the stem, and a cup at the base.
- The presence of spores and their colour. Amanita mushrooms have white spores.
- The type of forest and the time of year can also provide clues. For instance, black morels fruit during mid to late spring in conifer and aspen forests, but they are most commonly found in burned coniferous forests one to two years after a wildfire.
- Some mushrooms, like puffballs, can be easily confused with poisonous varieties like Amanita buttons. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the gills; rudimentary gills that resemble small blades indicate Amanita buttons.
- It is recommended to consult a highly-rated guidebook specific to your region for more detailed information.
How to Prepare Wild Mushrooms
Preparing wild mushrooms involves cleaning, seasoning, and cooking them. Here are some key steps and tips:
- Clean the mushrooms by brushing them with a clean towel or paper towel to remove dirt and debris. Trim any bad spots or dried stems. Avoid rinsing or washing them, as they absorb water easily and can become too soggy for cooking.
- If washing is necessary, use minimal water, and let the mushrooms dry in the refrigerator for a day or two before cooking.
- Season the mushrooms with salt, pepper, garlic, herbs, or any other desired seasonings. Butter and olive oil (or other oils) can also be added for flavour and moisture management.
- Cook the mushrooms using various methods such as sautéing, grilling, roasting, or poaching. Sautéing without oil (dry sautéing) is recommended for certain varieties like boletes/porcini and amanitas.
- When sautéing, get the pan hot over medium-high heat and add a single layer of mushrooms to avoid overcrowding. Stir initially to coat the mushrooms, then stir less frequently to allow for caramelization.
- Mushrooms are done when lightly browned. They can be served as a side dish or added to other dishes like scrambles, sauces, or roasted vegetable mixes.
- Reuse the pan for subsequent dishes to incorporate the mushroom flavour left in the pan.
Remember, mushroom identification can be challenging, and misidentification can have serious consequences. Always verify the identity and edibility of a mushroom before consuming it.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are. Montana has at least two mushroom clubs: the Southwest Montana Mycological Society, based in Bozeman, and the Western Montana Mycological Association, based in Missoula. Both hold regular forays in the spring and fall. There are also workshops, classes, books, and mushroom festivals/fairs to help you learn to identify mushrooms.
Key characteristics to identify Amanita include free gills that are not attached to the stem, a ring or skirt on the stem, a cup at the base, and white spores. Lobster mushrooms are found on mossy forest floors in western Montana and are bright red in colour. Gold chanterelles can be found in western Montana, nestled underneath forest cover where the soil is moist.
Mushroom species are complex and can be difficult for laypeople to identify. Many mushroom poisonings in Montana are caused by edible mushrooms that are old, rotten, or improperly stored. It is important to learn how to identify mushrooms properly and to handle them safely, including washing them well and cooking them at the appropriate temperature.
