Mushroom Hunting: Tips And Techniques For Foragers

Mushroom hunting, mushrooming, mushroom picking, mushroom foraging, and related terms refer to the activity of gathering mushrooms in the wild. This is typically done for culinary purposes, although medicinal and psychotropic uses are also known. Mushroom hunting is popular in Europe, Asia, Australia, Canada, and the United States. In Southern Lithuania, mushroom hunting is considered a national sport. Mushroom hunters should be aware of basic safety measures to keep themselves safe and ensure a successful hunt. One of the biggest concerns for beginners is eating the wrong species. While mushroom-related deaths are rare, it is important to get familiar with the features of the specific mushrooms you are looking for.

Safety tips: Learn to identify poisonous mushrooms and always when in doubt, throw it out

Mushroom hunting is a fun and rewarding hobby, but it can also be dangerous. Before you start, it's important to learn how to identify poisonous mushrooms and always remember: when in doubt, throw it out.

Firstly, it's important to know that even mushrooms that are typically safe to eat can sometimes be contaminated with pesticides and other chemicals, so it's worth keeping this in mind when foraging.

Secondly, some mushrooms have toxic lookalikes, so it's crucial to be able to distinguish between them. For example, false morels don't look much like the real thing upon close inspection, and false chanterelles have gills, not ridges, on their undersides. The Destroying Angel is another deadly mushroom that looks similar to other common edible mushrooms. Familiarize yourself with these dangerous varieties and their edible counterparts.

Thirdly, certain characteristics are common among poisonous mushrooms, so learn to recognize them. For instance, white gills are often a sign of toxicity, as are red colors on the cap or stem. A volva, or a bulbous growth at the base of the stem, is also usually a sign of a poisonous mushroom. Mushrooms with a ring around the stem are often poisonous, as are those that grow on trees.

Finally, use all your senses to identify mushrooms. Most edible mushrooms will have a pleasant, earthy aroma, whereas poisonous varieties tend to have an acrid, chemical, or fishy odor. The texture of the stalk can also be a distinguishing factor; milk cap mushrooms, for instance, have brittle stalks that snap like chalk.

To help with identification, use a combination of resources such as field guides, online catalogues, and mycological groups. Some guides even have pictures of poisonous mushrooms, which can be very helpful. Additionally, consider using a mushroom identification app or carrying a single-page mushroom identification chart with you when foraging. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out!

Mushroom identification: Use books, charts, and apps to identify mushrooms

Mushroom hunting can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it is important to be able to distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms. While cooking mushrooms before eating them can help to avoid potential toxins, it is still important to be able to identify mushrooms correctly. Here are some books, charts, and apps that can help you identify mushrooms:

Books

When it comes to mushroom identification, field guides and books can be invaluable resources. These books often provide detailed information about specific types of mushrooms, including their appearance, characteristics, and geographic locations. Some popular books include "Mushrooms of Ontario and Eastern Canada" by George Barron, "Mushrooms of the Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada" by Timothy J. Baroni, and the Peterson guide, which has been recommended by several mushroom enthusiasts. David Arora's "All That the Rain Promises and More: A Hip Pocket Guide to Western Mushrooms" is another excellent resource, particularly for those in the Pacific Northwest. Arora's other book, "Mushrooms Demystified," offers a broader overview of mushrooms and is a great addition to your library if you like to forage in different regions.

Charts

Carrying a single-page mushroom identification chart can be extremely helpful when you're out in the field. These charts provide a quick reference guide to help you identify unfamiliar mushrooms. You can find mushroom identification charts online, and it's a good idea to laminate them so they can withstand different weather conditions.

Apps

In this digital age, mushroom identification apps have become a popular tool for modern foragers. These apps offer convenient and portable resources for identifying mushrooms on the go. Here are some of the top mushroom identification apps:

• The Book of Mushrooms (Android): This free app helps identify over 250 mushroom species with more than 1400 mushroom photos and articles. It also includes a calendar feature to show which mushrooms are fruiting when.
• Mushroom Identify (Android): This app is perfect for visual learners. You can take a photo of a mushroom and get an identification within seconds. It also provides a list of look-alikes to help with accurate identification.
• Shroomify (iOS and Android): This app helps identify mushrooms by selecting their features and includes a robust search function to look up mushrooms. You can also filter results to show only the mushrooms currently fruiting in your area.
• Dr. Gerhardt's App (iOS): This app includes over 2000 high-quality images, each with an in-depth description and multiple photos of the same mushroom from different angles. It was created by a mycology consultant and mushroom book author, ensuring reliable information.

While these apps offer convenient identification tools, it is important to note that some have free and paid features. The free versions may satisfy casual curiosity, but for more comprehensive information and niche searches, you may need to consider the paid options.

Mushroom locations: Mushrooms grow in specific locations and near certain trees

Mushrooms grow in specific locations and near certain trees. Chanterelles, for example, grow near beech and oak trees, whereas morels love tulip poplar trees and miatake love oak trees. Oyster mushrooms, on the other hand, can be found on dead and decaying oak and beech trees. They can also be found high up on the trunks and branches of broadleaf hardwood trees in mixed woodlands. Elm oyster mushrooms are an example of this.

In addition to the type of tree, the location and climate play a role in mushroom growth. For instance, in central Europe's mountain forests, boletes thrive in spruce, pine, and oak forests, while morels favour ash and poplar trees. Chanterelles tend to appear in late spring and early autumn, when temperatures drop below 70°F at night. They stop growing when temperatures fall below 50°F. Weather is also a factor, as mushrooms are more likely to grow a few days after heavy rain. They thrive in wet, warm conditions, but so do maggots and slugs.

It is important to remember that mushrooms growing on dead trees, stumps, and branches are usually saprotrophic, meaning they feed on dead and decaying wood. Mushrooms growing on living trees, on the other hand, tend to be parasitic, relying on living hosts for nutrients. Mycorrhizal mushrooms, which grow around the base of trees, form a symbiotic relationship with the trees, extending the range of the tree's roots and providing extra nutrients and moisture in exchange for simple sugars.

When hunting for mushrooms, it is crucial to be able to identify them accurately. Using a mushroom identification app or carrying a mushroom identification chart can be helpful. Consulting a local mycologist or an experienced forager is always a good idea to ensure safety.

Seasons and weather: Mushrooms fruit when it is warm and moist

The best time to go mushroom hunting is when it is warm and moist. Mushrooms thrive in moist, damp conditions and are easily found after heavy rainfall. Swampy spots, mossy patches, and other moist areas are ideal for mushroom hunting. They grow quickly in rainy seasons or after heavy rain following a drought.

The season for mushroom hunting depends on the type of mushroom and your location. For example, in the Northern Hemisphere, Chanterelles are found in late spring and early fall, while Lion's Mane mushrooms are found in late summer to fall, and sometimes into spring in warmer climates. In the Southern Hemisphere, Chanterelles are found in Australia in the summer months of December through February.

In terms of location, some mushrooms tend to grow near specific types of trees. For example, Chanterelles grow near beech and oak trees, Morels near tulip poplar trees, and Miitake near oak trees. Forests with a mix of conifers and deciduous trees, such as spruce, fir, hemlock, birch, beech, and poplar, tend to have a greater variety of mushrooms.

Altitude and latitude also play a role in mushroom hunting. For example, in Ontario, Canada, September is considered the peak season for mushrooms, with the amount of mushrooms decreasing after the first frost.

Picking and storing: Pick mature mushrooms and store them in waxed paper or a basket

Picking and storing mushrooms is a delicate process. It is important to remember that mushrooms replicate through spores, so when picking mushrooms, it is best to pick mature mushrooms that have already released their spores. This will ensure that you are not disturbing their life cycle. It is also important to learn to recognise undesirable edibles, such as those that are buggy, dirty, or old. You probably won't eat them, so it is better to leave them behind.

When picking mushrooms, it is best to use baskets or mesh bags. This allows spores to be released as you walk through the woods. Avoid using plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and cause rot. If you are unsure about a mushroom, you can keep it separate in a wax or paper bag and take a better look at it once you're at home to confirm its safety.

When storing mushrooms, it is best to use a firm container such as a basket, with lighter specimens stored above heavier ones. Separate different species using waxed paper. As the negative gravitropism of fungi tends to orient the gills downward, taller mushrooms must be stored upright.

To avoid accidentally consuming poisonous mushrooms, it is important to familiarise yourself with the features of the specific mushrooms you are looking for. Learn about their habitats, growing seasons, appearances, and aromas. Always remember, "when in doubt, throw it out". It is also generally recommended to avoid eating wild mushrooms raw, as cooking makes mushrooms more digestible and unlocks their nutritional value.

Frequently asked questions