Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are a variety of fungus that grow and spread in dark, damp places. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from small to huge. While some mushrooms are safe to consume, others can be extremely toxic and even fatal if ingested. The most common edible mushroom is Agaricus bisporus, while the death cap (Amanita phalloides) is among the most poisonous mushrooms in the world. Identifying mushrooms requires a basic understanding of their structure and appearance, as there is no single trait to distinguish edible from poisonous mushrooms. Mushroom hunting can be a rewarding hobby, but it is crucial to proceed with caution and only consume mushrooms that have been positively identified as edible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Size | Small or huge |
| Colour | Red or brown |
| Habitat | Dark areas |
| Spawning | Naturally on magma blocks in the Nether |
| Toxicity | Some mushrooms are toxic |
| Nutritional Value | Some mushrooms are highly nutritious |
| Allergies | Some people are allergic to mushrooms |
| Edibility | Some mushrooms are edible |
| Weight | 3-15 pounds (1.5-7 kg) |
| Shape | Dome, tall, bulbous, tentacled |
| Smell | Sweet |
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What You'll Learn
Wild mushroom hunting
- Do your research: Learn about the different species of mushrooms, their favourite hiding spots, and when and where to look for them. Study high-resolution photos of the mushrooms you want to find, and consider bringing a physical book with pictures for reference when you're in the woods. While there are mushroom identification apps available, these may not always be reliable or accessible without an internet connection.
- Find an experienced guide: Consider going on a trip with a seasoned mushroom hunter or someone who can help identify plant species, weather patterns, and local mushroom habits. This can be a great way to learn and stay safe.
- Know the basics: Most mushrooms are basidiomycetes and gilled. Their spores, called basidiospores, fall in a fine powder from under the caps. As a result, if the cap is cut off and placed gill-side-down overnight, a powdery impression reflecting the gills will form. The colour of this spore print is useful for classifying and identifying mushrooms. Common spore print colours include white, brown, black, purple-brown, pink, yellow, and creamy, but they are almost never blue, green, or red.
- Focus on distinctive species: As a general rule, it is safer to collect a small number of visually distinctive, edible mushroom species that cannot be easily confused with poisonous varieties. Common mushroom hunting advice is that if a mushroom cannot be positively identified, it should be considered poisonous and not eaten.
- Be cautious: Stay alert and be cautious when reaching in and around logs and tree trunks. The warm weather that brings out wild mushrooms also brings out snakes, so be vigilant.
- Be prepared: Bring the right tools for mushroom hunting, such as buckets or onion sacks, a knife, and bug spray to keep mosquitoes at bay.
- Dress appropriately: Wear durable, nature-coloured, or camouflage clothing to protect yourself from the elements and stay comfortable while hunting.
Remember, when in doubt, throw it out! Wild mushroom hunting can be a rewarding and exciting activity, but it is important to always put safety first.
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How to identify mushrooms
Mushrooms are a variety of fungi that can grow and spread in dark areas, and they can be small or huge in size. They are neither plants nor animals, but they are more closely related to animals. They have a unique structure with a stem (stipe) and a cap. The underside of the cap, known as the hymenial layer, is where spores are formed.
Identifying mushrooms requires meticulous attention to detail and a basic understanding of their macroscopic structure. Here are some key steps to help you identify mushrooms:
Examine the Habitat and Substrate
Note the environment and the material from which the mushroom is growing. Some mushrooms grow in soil, on living trees, or on rotting wood. Understanding the mushroom's habitat and substrate can provide insights into its ecology and help with identification.
Observe the Cap and Stem
Pay close attention to the shape, colour, and texture of the cap and stem. The cap may be flat, convex, or vase-shaped, and it can vary in colour from white to orange-yellow. The stem may have a bulb or ring and can be hollow or solid.
Inspect the Gills or Spores
Most mushrooms have gills, but some have "false gills" or "teeth." Gills can be full-length or partial, and they may fork into a Y-shape. The colour of the spores, known as the spore print, is a crucial characteristic for identification. Place the cap gill-side-down overnight to create a spore print, which can help with classification.
Smell and Taste
Some mushrooms have distinct fruity or flowery aromas. However, be cautious and only smell or taste a mushroom if you are confident it is safe to do so. Even edible mushrooms can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals.
Seek Expert Guidance
Mushroom identification can be challenging, and there is no single trait to distinguish all toxic mushrooms from edible ones. Always seek guidance from expert sources, such as field guides, mycologists, or local mushroom clubs. If you are unsure about the identification of a mushroom, it is best to consider it poisonous and not consume it.
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Common edible mushrooms
Mushrooms are a staple ingredient in many recipes across various cultures. They are a part of the fungi kingdom and make their food by metabolizing dead or decaying matter. They reproduce by producing spores rather than seeds. Interestingly, mushrooms are more closely related in DNA to humans than to plants!
There are approximately 14,000 known species of mushrooms, some of which are edible and nutritious, while others are used for medicinal purposes or psychedelic experiences. Edible mushrooms can be harvested wild or cultivated. The most common commercially grown mushroom is Agaricus bisporus, which includes whites, crimini, and portobello varieties. Other cultivated species available at many grocers include Hericium erinaceus, shiitake, maitake (hen-of-the-woods), Pleurotus, and enoki.
When foraging for wild mushrooms, it is important to exercise caution as many species are poisonous and can resemble edible varieties. Common mushroom hunting advice is to only consume mushrooms that can be positively identified as edible. Some popular edible wild mushrooms include morels, chanterelles, and giant puffballs. Morels have an elusive honeycomb-like appearance, while chanterelles have a trumpet-like shape with a depression in the center of their caps and a golden hue. Giant puffballs are commonly found in meadows, fields, and deciduous forests in late summer and autumn and can reach diameters of up to 60 inches and weights of up to 45 pounds.
Even edible mushrooms may cause allergic reactions in certain individuals, ranging from mild asthmatic responses to severe anaphylactic shock. Additionally, some edible mushrooms, such as Coprinopsis atramentaria (common inkcap), can become toxic when consumed with alcohol due to the presence of certain chemicals. Therefore, it is important to have a basic understanding of mushroom identification and to always cook mushrooms thoroughly to avoid any potential health risks.
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Common poisonous mushrooms
Mushrooms are a variety of fungi that grow and spread in dark, damp places. While some mushrooms are safe to eat, others are poisonous and can even be deadly. It is important to be able to distinguish between the two, as eating wild mushrooms can be risky. There is no single trait by which poisonous mushrooms can be identified, but there are some common poisonous mushrooms that are important to be aware of.
One of the most well-known poisonous mushrooms is the death cap (*Amanita phalloides*), which is native to the Northern Hemisphere and parts of Australia. It contains the same mycotoxins as the Conocybe filaris, a lawn mushroom common in the Pacific Northwest. Both of these mushrooms can be fatal if ingested, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms, liver and kidney failure, and even death. Another similar-looking mushroom to avoid is the destroying angel (*Amanita verna*), which is actually several species of all-white mushrooms in the genus *Amanita*. These mushrooms are incredibly toxic and similar in appearance to edible button mushrooms, leading to fatal misidentifications.
Other poisonous mushrooms include the deadly webcap (*Cortinarius rubellus*), native to northern Europe, and the fool's webcap (*Cortinarius orellanus*), which feature a poison called orellanine. This toxin has a long latency period of up to three weeks and causes kidney failure if left untreated. The autumn skullcap (*Galerina marginata*) is another poisonous mushroom that can be deadly if ingested. It is a gilled, wood-rotting mushroom with the same amatoxins as the death cap and can be mistaken for hallucinogenic Psilocybe mushrooms.
To avoid consuming poisonous mushrooms, it is recommended to only consume a small number of visually distinctive, edible mushroom species. If a mushroom cannot be positively identified, it is best to assume it is poisonous and not eat it.
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How to grow mushrooms
Mushrooms are fungi that require different conditions to grow than plants. They thrive in damp, dark, cool, and humid environments and grow from fungal spores.
There are several ways to grow mushrooms at home. You can use a mushroom growing kit, which is the easiest way to get started, or you can grow them in a container, bucket, or on a log.
If you choose to use a growing kit, you'll receive a mushroom block filled with a substrate material such as oat bran, sawdust, or straw that has been coated with mushroom spores. Mist the block three to four times a day with spring or well water, or rainwater.
To grow mushrooms in a container, you'll need a clear container, such as a mason jar or a clear plastic takeaway container, and mushroom spawn, which is mycelium that has been specially grown for mushroom cultivation. Add a small amount of food, such as coffee grounds or cardboard waste, and gradually add more as the mycelium grows.
If you choose to grow mushrooms on a log, you can use plugs inoculated with spores. Shiitake mushrooms, for example, can be grown on natural logs outdoors, but they can take up to two years to produce your first harvest.
When growing mushrooms indoors, it is important to maintain a cool, moist, and humid environment with minimal indirect light. Most mushrooms grow best at temperatures between 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, in a dark, cool, and humid environment. Avoid pulling up the mushrooms when harvesting, as this can damage the surrounding fungi that are still developing.
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Frequently asked questions
Some edible wild mushrooms include Grifola frondosa, commonly known as hen-of-the-woods or maitake, and the brightly coloured sulphur shelf mushroom.
There is no single trait by which all toxic mushrooms can be identified. It requires meticulous attention to detail and knowledge of both edible and poisonous mushrooms. Common mushroom hunting advice is that if a mushroom cannot be positively identified, it should be considered poisonous and not eaten.
You can take photos of the mushrooms and collect some samples to bring to an expert for identification.
Wild mushrooms should be stored in a container with good airflow, such as a paper bag. They should not be stored in plastic bags or tightly sealed containers. They can be kept fresh in the refrigerator for a few days, or frozen or dried to increase their shelf life.
