Laura Smith
Identifying edible mushrooms is a challenging task, and it is recommended that you leave it to professional mycologists. However, if you want to learn how to identify them, there are several methods you can use. You can buy a mushroom field guide for your region, join online forums or Facebook groups, or take mycology classes at your local university. When foraging, it's important to take two baskets: one for mushrooms you're confident are edible, and another for those you're unsure about. Some general rules for avoiding poisonous mushrooms include avoiding those with white gills, a skirt or ring on the stem, or a bulbous base called a volva. You can also perform a taste test with certain mushrooms, but only when you're certain of the mushroom family. Remember, never eat a mushroom unless you're 100% sure it's edible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cap | Tan, brown, or white |
| Gills | Brown or tan |
| Stem | No ring around the stem |
| Volva | Avoid mushrooms with a sack-like base |
| Family | Agarics, Boletes, Milkcaps, Russulas, Amanitas |
| Smell | Edible Agarics smell pleasant, toxic mushrooms smell chemical |
| Taste | A chilli-like burn means the mushroom is poisonous |
| Region | Use a book specific to your region |
| Online Communities | Facebook groups, online forums |
| Courses | Mycology classes, identification classes |
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What You'll Learn
Consult an expert or a field guide
When it comes to identifying edible mushrooms, it is always a good idea to consult an expert or a field guide. This is because some edible and poisonous mushrooms look quite similar, and the consequences of misidentification can be severe.
Field guides are an excellent resource for mushroom identification. They provide images, descriptions, and graphics of different mushrooms, highlighting their key characteristics. Regional field guides are particularly useful as they can help you identify the mushrooms that grow wild in your specific area. When using a field guide, pay attention to the stem, a spore print, what the mushroom is growing on, and the structure of the stem base, which could be below ground. Some popular field guides include "All That the Rain Promises and More" and the "Field Guide to North American Mushrooms" by the National Audubon Society.
If you are unsure about a mushroom's edibility, it is best to seek the help of a knowledgeable expert. You can connect with mushroom experts through local mycological groups or universities. Learning from an expert in the field is considered the fastest and safest way to identify wild mushrooms. They can guide you in identifying mushrooms with highly distinctive features and those that are tricky, such as mushrooms with gills.
When in doubt, it is always better to err on the side of caution and avoid consuming any mushrooms that you are uncertain about.
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Observe physical characteristics
It is important to be cautious when identifying mushrooms in the wild. Some edible and poisonous mushrooms look quite similar, and ingesting the wrong ones can be dangerous or even deadly. Therefore, it is crucial to correctly identify mushrooms before consuming them.
One way to identify mushrooms is by observing their physical characteristics. The Agaric family, for example, typically has pink to brown/black gills, a white cap, and a stout stem with a skirt. However, it's important to note that there are toxic members of this family that closely resemble their edible counterparts. Similarly, the Amanita family is identified by white gills and spores, and they often grow from a sack-like structure called a volva, which can be hidden under leaf litter or soil. While there are a few edible Amanitas, this family also includes some of the most poisonous mushrooms, such as the Destroying Angel and the Death Cap, so caution is advised.
Another mushroom with distinctive physical characteristics is the Lion's Mane mushroom, which resembles the mane of a male lion or a pompom. It is known for its unique taste, often compared to seafood, and it frequently grows on beech trees and other hardwoods. Morel mushrooms are also sought after by foragers for their distinct appearance and taste. They typically pop up in the springtime, making them a delightful find for mushroom enthusiasts.
To aid in identification, it is recommended to purchase a mushroom identification guidebook. Some popular options include "All That the Rain Promises and More" by David Arora and "Mushrooms of the Northeast" by Teresa Marrone and Walt Sturgeon. These guides can help you become more familiar with the physical characteristics of various mushroom species and improve your ability to distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms in the wild.
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Smell the mushroom
Smelling a mushroom is one of the ways to identify whether it is edible or poisonous. Edible Agarics, for instance, smell pleasantly of mushroom, with hints of aniseed or almond. Toxic mushrooms, on the other hand, may smell like Indian ink or iodine, or simply have an unpleasant, chemical odour. Some edible mushrooms emit a faint, honey-like smell, which some people liken to the smell of cleaning products.
While smell can be a helpful indicator, it is not always a reliable method of identification, as some edible and poisonous mushrooms can smell similar. For example, the Chicken Mushroom has an addictive smell, but it resembles many non-edible types. Some poisonous mushrooms have a flat odour or a bitter tang, which can only be detected by tasting, which is not recommended.
It is important to exercise caution when identifying mushrooms by smell alone, as the consequences of consuming a poisonous mushroom can be severe, and even deadly. If you are ever unsure, it is best to leave the mushroom alone, or seek expert advice.
If you are foraging for wild mushrooms, it is advisable to consult a professional mycologist (a scientist who studies fungi) to identify whether your finds are edible. You can also learn to identify edible mushrooms in your area by observing their appearance and referring to reliable sources.
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Check for gastrointestinal upset
If you suspect that you or someone you know has eaten a poisonous mushroom, it is important to act quickly. While some edible mushrooms can cause gastrointestinal upset, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
The most common symptoms of mushroom poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. These symptoms can start as soon as 20 minutes after ingestion and typically occur within 30 minutes to 5 hours. However, in some cases, symptoms may be delayed for up to 24 hours. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. It is recommended to go to the emergency room and bring a sample of the mushroom, if possible. Doctors may also check your temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure.
It is important to note that the onset of symptoms can vary depending on the type of mushroom ingested. For example, Amanita smithiana, found in the Pacific Northwest, can cause gastrointestinal distress within 1 to 12 hours of ingestion. In contrast, poisonings involving hallucinogenic mushrooms tend to have an onset of symptoms within 5 hours of ingestion.
In addition to gastrointestinal upset, mushroom poisoning can also cause other symptoms such as cramps, headache, dizziness, sweating, drowsiness, and confusion. In severe cases, mushroom poisoning can lead to liver and kidney damage, and even death. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect mushroom poisoning.
To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is recommended to only eat mushrooms purchased from a reputable source, such as a supermarket or greengrocer. Wild mushrooms should be avoided, as it is difficult to distinguish between edible and poisonous varieties. Even breathing the vapours from boiling certain mushrooms can cause illness.
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Take a mycology class
While it is possible to identify edible mushrooms by consulting guides and experts, taking a mycology class is a more comprehensive approach. Mycology is the scientific study of fungi, and taking a class can provide you with the knowledge and skills to identify and differentiate between various mushroom species confidently. Here are some reasons why taking a mycology class is beneficial:
Structured Learning
Mycology classes offer a structured curriculum that covers a range of topics related to fungi, including their identification, classification, physiology, genetics, and ecology. This structured approach ensures that you gain a comprehensive understanding of mushrooms, rather than relying on piecemeal information from guides or online sources.
Expert Instruction
Mycology classes are typically taught by experts in the field, such as mycologists or experienced instructors with a deep knowledge of fungi. Their guidance can provide you with accurate and reliable information about mushroom identification. They can also offer insights and answer questions that a book or online guide might not be able to provide.
Hands-on Experience
Many mycology classes include field trips or practical components where you can apply your knowledge in real-world settings. You'll learn how to collect and examine mushroom specimens, use identification tools, and develop a deeper understanding of mushroom ecology and habitat preferences. This hands-on experience is invaluable for improving your identification skills and building confidence in recognising edible mushrooms.
Access to Resources
Taking a mycology class often grants you access to specialised resources, such as field guides, scientific literature, and mushroom collections. These resources can enhance your learning experience and provide ongoing reference materials even after the class has ended. Additionally, you may have access to laboratories, microscopes, and other equipment used in the study of fungi.
Safety First
Identifying edible mushrooms can be tricky, and consuming the wrong variety can have serious health consequences. Mycology classes emphasise the importance of safety and provide you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about mushroom edibility. You'll learn how to recognise poisonous species, understand the potential risks, and develop a more cautious and informed approach to foraging for wild mushrooms.
While books and online guides can offer some guidance, taking a mycology class provides a more comprehensive, structured, and safe learning experience. It empowers you to become a knowledgeable and confident mushroom identifier, reducing the risks associated with consuming wild fungi. Remember, when it comes to mushroom foraging and consumption, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to identify edible mushrooms is to consult an expert or a field guide for your region. You can also join online forums or Facebook groups where mycology professionals can help you identify mushrooms. If you still want to forage mushrooms on your own, look for mushrooms with brown or tan gills and tan, brown, or white caps and stems. Avoid mushrooms with white gills, a skirt or ring on the stem, and a bulbous or sack-like base called a volva.
Some examples of edible mushrooms include the bearded tooth, hedgehog, or pompom mushroom (Hericium erinaceus), Chicken of the Woods, and giant puffballs. Morels are also edible but be sure to differentiate them from false morels, which can be poisonous.
If you have eaten an unidentified mushroom, look for symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, blood in your vomit or stool, or intestinal cramping. Seek medical treatment right away if you experience any of these symptoms.
