Michael Davis
Foraging for wild mushrooms is an increasingly popular hobby, but it's important to be cautious as several deadly or toxic mushroom species resemble edible ones. The best way to learn how to pick mushrooms is by picking with an experienced mycologist, who can teach you how to identify plant species, weather patterns, and the local habits of various mushroom species. Joining a mycological society is another great way to learn about picking wild mushrooms, as you will get invitations to forays at local parks where you can learn from experienced mushroom pickers. There are two schools of thought on the best way to pick a mushroom: cutting it off where it joins the ground, or twisting and pulling it from the mycelium. When picking mushrooms, it's important to follow the golden rule: if in doubt, throw it out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Learn from experts | Join a local mycological society, go on forays with experienced mycologists, take a mushroom identification course |
| Safety | If in doubt, throw it out. Do not eat wild mushrooms unless you have forayed with a knowledgeable group |
| Tools | Carry a knife, basket or paper bag |
| Mushroom characteristics | Fleshy, not dried out or decaying |
| Mushroom types to avoid | Amanitas, false morel, little brown mushroom, destroying angel, devil's bolete, poison pie, sickener, yellow-staining mushroom |
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What You'll Learn
- Picking vs cutting: Twisting and pulling can damage the mycelium, cutting can leave a stump that rots
- Safety first: If in doubt, throw it out. Do not eat wild mushrooms without expert advice
- Dog dangers: Dogs are frequent victims of mushroom poisoning, exercise caution when foraging with dogs
- Mushroom seasons: Mushrooms often appear after cool, rainy days. Oyster mushrooms can be found in the rain
- Foraging spots: Join a local mycological society to learn about foraging spots and identification
Picking vs cutting: Twisting and pulling can damage the mycelium, cutting can leave a stump that rots
There are two schools of thought on the best way to pick a wild mushroom. One method is to cut the fruit bodies from the ground or whatever they are growing from, to avoid damaging the delicate mycelium below. The other method involves twisting and pulling the mushroom from the mycelium.
Those who prefer the latter method argue that cutting can leave a stump that rots and becomes infected with pathogens, acting as a disease vector. However, others claim that twisting and pulling increases the vulnerability to contamination and can damage the mycelium. Some people believe that pulling can remove too much substrate and mycelium, while others state that the mycelium can repair itself overnight.
It is worth noting that practical experience shows that certain types of fungi, like mycorrhizal fungi, tend to detach cleanly when pulled, while others, like saprophytic fungi, bring a large amount of mycelium with them when pulled. As such, some people apply different rules to different species. Additionally, the cutting method can be preferable for easily identified species as it minimises disturbance.
Overall, while there are passionate advocates for both methods, the truth is that it likely makes very little difference to the fungus.
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Safety first: If in doubt, throw it out. Do not eat wild mushrooms without expert advice
Picking wild mushrooms can be a fun and rewarding activity, but it's important to remember that some mushrooms are highly toxic or even deadly. To stay safe, it is crucial to follow some basic guidelines and always err on the side of caution.
Firstly, it is essential to only pick and consume wild mushrooms under the guidance of an expert. Joining a knowledgeable group or consulting a local mycological society can provide valuable education and reduce the risk of misidentification. Several deadly or toxic mushroom species closely resemble edible varieties, and there are no reliable shortcuts to proper identification. Common misconceptions about identifying edible mushrooms, such as assuming animals will only eat non-toxic varieties or that cooking eliminates poisons, can lead to dangerous mistakes.
Secondly, when picking mushrooms, only select those that are fresh and fleshy, without any signs of decay. Avoid mushrooms with closed caps, as it is challenging to distinguish between edible and poisonous varieties at this stage. It is also important to be cautious about where you pick mushrooms. Avoid protected lands, and be mindful of the surroundings preferred by the species you are seeking. Some mushrooms thrive in grasslands, while others prefer woods and specific types of trees.
Lastly, always discard any mushrooms that you are unsure about. It is better to be cautious and throw away a potentially edible mushroom than to risk consuming a toxic variety. This “golden rule” of mushroom foraging can help ensure your safety.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the thrill of foraging for wild mushrooms while minimizing the risks associated with misidentification. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to consuming wild mushrooms.
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Dog dangers: Dogs are frequent victims of mushroom poisoning, exercise caution when foraging with dogs
Dogs are frequent victims of mushroom poisoning, so exercise caution when foraging with dogs. Many mushrooms are toxic and can cause serious or even life-threatening illness in dogs. There are around 100 toxic species of mushrooms in the US, but most fatal species belong to the Amanita, Galerina, or Lepiota genus. The deadly Amanita species, also known as the "death cap" or "death angel", can cause liver failure and subsequent kidney failure in dogs. Other toxic mushrooms include the false morel, which causes profuse vomiting and diarrhea, and Inocybe spp., which causes salivation, watery eyes, increased urination, diarrhea, and neurological symptoms. Even if your dog only exhibits mild gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and/or diarrhea, it can be challenging to determine the type of mushroom ingested based on early symptoms alone, and some dogs may require hospitalization.
To avoid accidentally poisoning your dog while foraging for mushrooms, it is recommended to treat all wild mushrooms as potentially toxic and to keep your dog away from any mushrooms you find. If your dog does ingest a wild mushroom, seek immediate veterinary care, as mushroom poisoning in dogs must be treated as a medical emergency. Even veterinarians are not mushroom experts, so it may be necessary to identify the mushroom based on samples and photos after your dog has been stabilized.
If you want to learn how to pick wild mushrooms safely, it is best to seek out experienced mycologists or join a local mycological society. They can teach you how to identify edible mushrooms and avoid the toxic ones. Some resources to consider include The Complete Mushroom Hunter by Gary Lincoff, How to Identify Edible Mushrooms by Tony Lion and Gill Tomblin, and local forays, lectures, and workshops hosted by mycological societies. When picking mushrooms, there are two main techniques: cutting them off where they join the ground or twisting and pulling them from the mycelium. Chanterelles, for example, detach cleanly from their mycelium, while saprophytic fungi, like wood blewits and clouded agaric, tend to bring a large clod of mycelium with them when pulled.
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Mushroom seasons: Mushrooms often appear after cool, rainy days. Oyster mushrooms can be found in the rain
Mushroom picking is a fun activity that can be done alone or with friends and family. However, it is important to exercise caution when picking wild mushrooms, as several deadly or seriously toxic mushroom species resemble edible ones. If you have any doubts about a mushroom you have picked, it is best to discard it.
Mushroom seasons vary depending on location and weather conditions. In general, mushrooms often appear after cool, rainy days. A few days of good soaking rain in any season can bring about the growth of mushrooms. In some regions, such as Missouri, adequate moisture is the most important factor for mushroom growth. In older, well-established forests, the presence of tall trees and a heavier overstory create a cooler and more moist environment, which is ideal for fungi.
Oyster mushrooms, in particular, can be found in the rain. They have a long season and can be found in the fall, spring, and even winter if the weather is not too harsh. They thrive in subtropical and temperate forests, growing out of trees, fallen logs, and stumps. Their colour ranges from light pink to pale brown, and they have pure white gills and an off-center stem. Oyster mushrooms are prized for their subtle aroma of the sea, which is more pronounced than in store-bought varieties.
To prepare for mushroom picking, it is recommended to join a local mycological society or go on forays with experienced mycologists. These societies often organize forays in local parks, provide mushroom identification courses, and host dinners and lectures. Additionally, purchasing a field guide specific to your region can offer valuable tips on where and when to find mushrooms.
When picking mushrooms, it is essential to use proper equipment and practice safe handling. Bring a flat-bottomed basket or a paper bag, a small digging tool or knife, and something for taking notes. Always handle mushrooms with care to avoid damaging the delicate mycelium. Some foragers prefer to twist and pull the mushroom from the mycelium, while others cut the fruit bodies where they join the ground. Regardless of the technique, it is crucial to only pick mushrooms that have been positively identified as edible.
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Foraging spots: Join a local mycological society to learn about foraging spots and identification
Joining a local mycological society is a great way to learn about foraging spots and mushroom identification. These societies often organise forays to local parks, where members can learn from experienced mushroom pickers. For example, the Pikes Peak Mycological Society in Southern Colorado takes members to their top-secret mushroom hunting grounds and provides tips on when, where, and how to find the best mushrooms in the region. The Alabama Mushroom Society, another affiliate of the North American Mycological Association, also organises forays and educational lectures for its members.
Mycological societies are a great way to connect with fellow mushroom enthusiasts and gain access to experts in the field. For instance, the Mycological Society of Toronto runs forays during the spring and fall picking seasons, hosts dinners, and lectures on mycology. They also publish a quarterly newsletter called "Mycelium". Similarly, the Wisconsin Mycology Society organises forays, lectures, dinners, and workshops on mushrooms.
Joining a local mycological society will provide you with opportunities to learn from knowledgeable members and outside specialists. These societies often hold meetings and workshops where members can bring in mushroom specimens for identification by experts. For example, the Pikes Peak Mycological Society conducts meetings with programs designed to promote understanding and knowledge of mycology. They also have experts on hand to positively identify mushrooms brought in by members.
In addition to joining a mycological society, it is essential to educate yourself about mushroom identification. Guidebooks can be a helpful resource, but they may be challenging to decipher without prior knowledge. Therefore, it is recommended to take a mushroom identification course or consult local experts. Additionally, it is crucial to follow safety guidelines when foraging for mushrooms. Always exercise caution when consuming wild mushrooms, and if in doubt, it is best to discard the mushroom.
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Frequently asked questions
The safest way to get started is to join a local mycological society, where you can learn from experienced mushroom pickers. You can also purchase a field guide to mycology, which will offer region-specific tips.
If you have any doubts at all, do not pick the mushroom. It is always better to be cautious when it comes to eating wild mushrooms. Some poisonous mushrooms resemble edible varieties, so it can be difficult to tell the difference.
There are two main schools of thought on this. One is to cut the fruit bodies where they join the ground to avoid damaging the mycelium. The other is to twist and pull the mushroom from the mycelium, which some argue stops the residual stump from rotting and infecting the mycelium. Ultimately, the technique you use will depend on the species of mushroom.
