John Miller
Determining whether a mushroom is poisonous or not is a complex task. While there are guidelines and characteristics to help identify poisonous mushrooms, there is no definitive test or single trait that can be used to distinguish them from edible mushrooms. Mushroom poisoning can have severe consequences, including death, and it is recommended that only mushrooms purchased from reputable sources, such as supermarkets or greengrocers, be consumed. In the case of wild mushrooms, it is crucial to seek identification from a mycologist or mushroom expert before consumption.
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What You'll Learn
- People used animals to test if mushrooms were poisonous
- There are no clear-cut rules to identify poisonous mushrooms
- Poisonous mushrooms may emit an unpleasant smell
- Some believe poisonous mushrooms have pointed caps and are brightly coloured
- A mushroom expert (mycologist) can identify a poisonous mushroom
People used animals to test if mushrooms were poisonous
Determining whether a mushroom is poisonous or not is a challenging task, as there are no general identifiers for poisonous mushrooms. While some old wives' tales suggest that poisonous mushrooms are brightly coloured, have pointed caps, or turn rice red when boiled, these are not reliable methods for distinguishing poisonous mushrooms. The only sure way to identify a poisonous mushroom is to have it examined by a mushroom expert or mycologist.
In the absence of modern scientific knowledge, our ancestors likely observed animals to determine whether mushrooms were poisonous. Animals such as rats are known to employ a strategy of nibbling on new foods and waiting to observe any adverse effects before consuming further. This behaviour is a form of trial and error, where animals learn from their experiences to avoid poisonous substances.
Another theory suggests that animals may have innate aversions to certain mushrooms due to evolutionary pressures. Over time, individuals who avoided poisonous mushrooms were more likely to survive and pass on their genes, leading to the development of natural aversions to toxic mushrooms in subsequent generations. This theory proposes that populations adapt over time, resulting in a collective aversion to poisonous mushrooms.
It is also important to note that not all animals are equally susceptible to mushroom poisoning. For example, snails and insects, known as fungivores, have evolved to avoid consuming poisonous mushrooms. On the other hand, mammals may pose a higher threat to mushrooms due to their larger body size and ability to consume a more significant portion of the fungus.
In summary, while using animals as a guide may have provided some insight into mushroom toxicity in the past, it is not a foolproof method. The safest approach is to consult with experts and only consume mushrooms purchased from reputable sources.
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There are no clear-cut rules to identify poisonous mushrooms
Similarly, the taste and smell of a mushroom are not reliable indicators of its toxicity. While some people who have eaten deadly Amanita mushrooms and survived reported that they tasted good, others have mistakenly deemed toxic mushrooms as safe due to their smell, such as Laotian refugees who followed the folklore rule that "poisonous mushrooms will turn rice red when boiled". However, this misconception cost at least one person their life.
Touching or handling toxic mushrooms is also not a reliable way to identify them, as toxins are not absorbed through the skin in a significant amount. Instead, mushroom toxins must be ingested to cause harm, and even then, symptoms may not appear immediately.
To safely identify a wild mushroom, it is recommended to seek the expertise of a mycologist (mushroom identification expert). Studying field guides and engaging with mushrooms through activities like making mushroom dyes or spore prints can also help one become more knowledgeable about mushroom identification. Additionally, it is advised to only eat mushrooms purchased from a reputable source, such as a supermarket or greengrocer, rather than foraging wild mushrooms without proper identification.
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Poisonous mushrooms may emit an unpleasant smell
It is important to note that there are no general identifiers for poisonous mushrooms, and there is no home test to distinguish between edible and poisonous varieties. The only way to tell whether a wild mushroom is safe to eat is to have it identified by a mushroom expert (mycologist). If you are unsure if a mushroom is safe to eat, do not eat it.
However, it has been suggested that poisonous mushrooms emit an unpleasant smell that discourages consumption. For instance, the Agaricus xanthodermus, the most commonly eaten poisonous mushroom in Victoria, gives off a chemical smell like disinfectant, iodine, or kerosene. This smell can be stronger if the mushroom is cooked. The toxic members of the Agaric family also smell of Indian ink, iodine, or chemicals, while edible Agarics smell pleasantly of mushrooms, with hints of aniseed or almond.
In addition to smell, some sources suggest that colour can be an indicator of whether a mushroom is poisonous. For example, the deadly destroying angel is white, while the deadly galerinas are brown. However, this theory has been disputed, as many mushroom predators are nocturnal and have poor vision, so colour may not be a reliable warning sign.
Taste can also be an indicator of whether a mushroom is poisonous. A pleasant mushroomy taste indicates that the mushroom is edible, while a burn-like chilli taste suggests that the mushroom is poisonous. However, this method should only be used if you are certain that the mushroom is from the Russula family.
If you suspect that you or someone in your care may have eaten a poisonous mushroom, do not wait for symptoms to occur before seeking medical attention. Contact your local poisons information centre immediately.
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Some believe poisonous mushrooms have pointed caps and are brightly coloured
Determining whether a mushroom is poisonous or not is a complex process. While some believe that certain characteristics, such as a pointed cap and bright colours, indicate toxicity, there are no definitive rules for identifying poisonous mushrooms.
The belief that poisonous mushrooms have pointed caps may originate from old wives' tales and traditional knowledge. However, it is essential to recognise that mushroom shapes can vary depending on the climate and environment in which they grow. Thus, relying solely on cap shape to determine edibility may not be reliable.
The idea that bright colours indicate toxicity could be influenced by the notion that certain phenotypes or observable characteristics may co-occur with toxicity and act as warning signals. For example, the bright red to orange or yellow fly agaric is narcotic and hallucinogenic, although no human deaths have been reported. In contrast, the deadly destroying angel is a nondescript white mushroom. However, it is important to note that mushroom colours vary, and toxicity is not solely dependent on colour. For instance, the poisonous Galerinas are brown, while some edible species, like chanterelles, are brightly coloured.
To accurately identify poisonous mushrooms, it is recommended to seek the expertise of a mycologist (mushroom identification expert) or utilise field guides and mycological groups. While there is no single trait that guarantees toxicity, a combination of characteristics, including cap shape, colour, and the presence of scales or warts, can aid in identification. Additionally, it is crucial to exercise caution and only consume mushrooms purchased from reputable sources or properly identified wild mushrooms to prevent accidental poisoning.
Historically, humans may have relied on trial and error, observing whether animals became sick after consuming certain mushrooms. However, with modern advancements, extensive testing can be conducted to identify toxins, poisons, and other harmful substances in newly discovered mushroom species.
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A mushroom expert (mycologist) can identify a poisonous mushroom
While there are no definitive tests to distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms, a mushroom expert (mycologist) can identify a poisonous mushroom. Mycologists are trained to identify mushrooms based on their physical characteristics, such as colour, cap shape, gills, stem, smell, location, and size. They also have extensive knowledge of the different mushroom species and their toxic effects, which helps them make accurate identifications.
For example, the deadly Amanita species, which includes the Death Cap (Amanita phalloides) and Destroying Angel (A. virosa), is one of the most poisonous mushroom genera. Amanita mushrooms typically have dry caps that resemble a wide, upside-down "U" or a parasol. They come in a range of colours, including red, orange, yellow, white, or grey, and some stain red when bruised or broken. Other physical characteristics, such as the presence of scales or warts, can also help with identification.
Mycologists may also employ field guides, mycological groups, and spore prints to aid in identification. Additionally, they can utilise technological advancements to distinguish between mushroom species and the specific toxins they contain. Sending clear photos of the mushroom's physical characteristics to mycologists or poison control centres can also assist in species identification and risk assessment.
It is important to note that consuming wild mushrooms without proper identification can be dangerous and potentially fatal. If you suspect that you or someone else has ingested a poisonous mushroom, seek immediate medical attention, even if symptoms have not yet appeared. Do not wait for symptoms to occur, as prompt treatment significantly improves survival rates.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no single, obvious trait that indicates whether a mushroom is poisonous. Some people have suggested that poisonous mushrooms are brightly coloured, but this is not always the case. Many poisonous mushrooms have look-alikes that are edible. The only way to be sure is to have a mushroom identified by a mycologist (mushroom expert).
If you are unsure, do not eat it. Only eat mushrooms that you have bought from a reputable source. If you want to forage for mushrooms, you can study field guides and join mycological groups to become an expert at identifying mushrooms.
Symptoms include severe gastrointestinal upsets such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If the person who has eaten the mushroom has collapsed, stopped breathing, is having a fit, or is suffering an anaphylactic reaction, call an ambulance.
No, you cannot be poisoned by simply touching a mushroom. The toxins must be ingested to cause harm.
It appears that people used a trial-and-error approach. One method was to feed a small amount of the mushroom to an animal and see if it got sick. If it didn't, then they would try a small amount themselves.
