John Miller
Picking mushrooms is a popular activity that requires preparation and caution. While it can be done all year round, autumn is the ideal season for mushroom picking as many different varieties appear during this time. Mushroom picking requires knowledge of the different types of mushrooms to avoid picking toxic or inedible ones. It is also important to know where to look for mushrooms, as they absorb pollutants present in the soil. Other factors to consider include the tools and techniques used for picking, as well as the potential risks associated with consuming wild mushrooms. With the right approach, mushroom picking can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Season | Autumn |
| Weather | Rainy, sunny |
| Time of day | N/A |
| Location | Forests, at the base of oak trees, on fallen logs and stumps |
| Mushroom type | Chanterelles, hedgehog mushrooms, winter chanterelles, boletes, russulas, horse mushrooms, parasols, oyster mushrooms, hen of the woods |
| Mushroom characteristics | Fleshy, not dried out or decaying, not limp, worm-eaten or too old, cap diameter over 2cm for small mushrooms and over 4cm for larger mushrooms |
| Equipment | Knife, wicker basket, warm clothing, waterproof shoes |
| Preparation | Take a guide or app to help identify mushrooms, go with an experienced mushroom picker, join a mycological club or walk |
| Post-picking | Cut the base of the mushroom, scrape or dust it, do not wash with a lot of water, store in a closed paper bag in the refrigerator |
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What You'll Learn
Cutting vs. pulling
There are two schools of thought on the best way to pick a mushroom: cutting or pulling. Some people prefer to cut off the mushroom's fruit bodies from where they join the ground to avoid damaging the delicate mycelium below. Cutting also results in less dirt or wood bits in your basket. However, cutting can leave a stump that can rot and become infected by pathogens, acting as a disease vector.
On the other hand, pulling or plucking mushrooms involves twisting and pulling the mushroom from the mycelium. This method can remove too much substrate and mycelium. However, pulling may be advantageous due to the disease transmission potential of cutting and the larger yield in pulled patches observed in some studies. Additionally, certain types of fungi, such as mycorrhizal fungi, often detach cleanly when pulled, while saprophytic fungi tend to bring a large clod of mycelium with them.
The debate over which technique is better has been a long-standing one, with some people passionate about their preferred method. However, several studies, some spanning decades, suggest that it ultimately may not make a significant difference to the fungus in terms of its ability to produce mushrooms in the future. The long-term effects of both techniques are still a subject of discussion, and the choice between cutting and pulling may depend on personal preference and the specific type of mushroom being harvested.
It is worth noting that the impact of human activity, such as trampling or walking in mushroom-growing areas, can be more detrimental to the mycelium than the picking technique itself. Additionally, the expansion of commercial harvesting has raised concerns about over-harvesting and possible damage to fungi populations, leading to legal restrictions in some countries.
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Seasons and weather
The best time to pick mushrooms depends on the type of mushroom, the weather, and your location. Mushrooms grow in moist and warm conditions, so it is best to avoid picking them during dry spells or hot temperatures.
In general, early autumn is considered the prime time for mushroom picking. The weather is often ideal, and the ground is moist from the previous rains. The greatest variety and abundance of mushrooms are usually found in October. The autumn mushroom season usually starts towards the end of August as night temperatures begin to cool, creating heavy dews. As the days grow shorter and temperatures cooler, a succession of species appear. However, the autumn mushroom season usually ends with severe night frosts freezing the ground or the onset of freezing daytime temperatures and snow.
Spring is also a good time to pick mushrooms, especially for certain species that won't appear at any other time, such as the highly sought-after edible morels. If the weather is warm and wet in early spring, you can hunt for morels. Morels are identified by their off-white stem that supports an elliptical mushroom cap. The mushroom cap can be nearly black, light brown, or beige, and the biggest identifying feature is their web of thin veins that make them resemble a honeycomb. However, several morel look-alikes are highly toxic. They are reddish-brown to yellow in colour, and the cap hangs to the side instead of growing straight up.
Summer is considered the low season for mushroom picking, as clear, sunny weather and high temperatures dry out the ground and forest floor. Even occasional rain showers might not be enough to allow the growth of many mushrooms, and breezes and wind can quickly dry out the little moisture that becomes available. However, in a wet summer, many unusual warmth-loving mushrooms might be found that are rarely seen.
Finally, some mushrooms can be found in the winter, even after freezing sets in. Mushrooms such as the Winter Oyster (Panellus serotinus), Winter Chanterelle (Craterellus tubaeformis), and Enoki mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) produce natural anti-freeze substances and may be found throughout mild winters.
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Safety and identification
When foraging, only pick mushrooms that you can positively identify. If you are unsure, take pictures to share with others for feedback and knowledge. Do not take more than you plan to eat, and do not consume any mushrooms unless you are 100% certain that they are edible. It is recommended to purchase a guidebook that addresses your specific geographical region and provides an overview of mushrooms. Mushrooms Demystified by David Arora and Gary Lincoff's The Complete Mushroom Hunter: An Illustrated Guide to Finding, Harvesting, and Enjoying Wild Mushrooms are highly recommended.
When you find a mushroom, cut the fleshy top off about an inch from the base to allow it to regenerate. Harvesting a complete specimen from the ground makes it easier to identify many species, so it is helpful to carry a small trowel or hand weeder to extract the whole mushroom. Bring a paintbrush or soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the tops, gills, ridges, and pores of your mushrooms after picking them. You can also cut them open to identify them, as false morels, for example, are not hollow inside.
Once you've found a mushroom, take notes on where it was growing. If it was growing at the base of a tree, take a picture of the tree and identify the species if possible. When you get home, study each species you collected, noting its spore print. Put a mushroom cap on a piece of paper, place a jar over it, and after a few hours, you can determine the colour of the spores. With the help of your field guide, determine the type of mushroom you've found, and verify your findings with an experienced mushroom forager if possible.
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Picking equipment
Picking mushrooms is an activity that requires preparation and caution. The right equipment will ensure you can pick mushrooms safely and efficiently.
Firstly, it is important to be able to identify mushrooms. Many mushrooms are toxic or even deadly, and some varieties that are toxic resemble edible mushrooms. Therefore, it is essential to take a guide with you that provides information about the different types of mushrooms. For those who prefer digital formats, there are apps available that can help you identify mushrooms. If you are a beginner, it is advisable to go with someone who has experience in mushroom picking. Joining a local mycological club or society is a great way to learn from experts and enthusiasts.
Secondly, you will need something to carry your mushrooms in. A wicker basket is recommended as it allows the mushrooms to breathe, whereas plastic bags can cause mushrooms to ferment quickly and become toxic. A basket or paper bag is also useful to have when picking mushrooms, as you can place the mushrooms directly into the container without touching them with your hands, reducing the risk of transferring any toxins.
Thirdly, you will need a tool to cut or pick the mushrooms. A knife is useful for cutting the mushrooms from where they join the ground or whatever they are growing from. A specialised mushroom knife, such as the Opinel N°08 Champignon knife, has a curved blade that is perfect for easily cutting the base of the mushroom. This knife can also be used to scrape or dust off any dirt from the mushroom before placing it in your basket.
Lastly, it is important to wear appropriate clothing when picking mushrooms, especially in autumn. Waterproof shoes and warm clothing are recommended to protect you from the elements.
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Forest and landowner rules
National Forests
National forests often have distinct regulations for mushroom picking. Some forests allow mushroom picking without a permit, while others require you to obtain a personal-use or commercial permit from the ranger's office. The amount of mushrooms you can collect may also vary, with some forests allowing up to 5 gallons per person per day, while others limit it to 1 gallon. It's important to check the specific rules for the national forest you plan to visit.
State Forests
State forests may have different regulations for mushroom picking, and you should check with the applicable government agency or landowner before entering the forest. In some states, mushroom picking is allowed without a permit for personal consumption, usually limited to a certain quantity, such as 1 gallon per vehicle. However, commercial foraging may be prohibited, and there may be specific rules for certain types of mushrooms, such as truffles and matsutake.
Private Lands
In the United States, mushroom picking on private lands typically requires permission from the landowners. It is important to respect their property and follow any guidelines or restrictions they may have in place.
Wilderness Areas
Mushroom picking is generally allowed within wilderness areas, but it is important to note that you may not remove mushrooms from these areas. Make sure to check for any posted signs or regulations specific to the wilderness area you are visiting.
Landowner Preferences
It is worth noting that landowners' preferences regarding mushroom picking on their properties may vary. Some landowners may express annoyance due to overcrowding and may support regulation through permits and fees. It is important to respect their wishes and obtain any necessary permissions before entering private land.
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Frequently asked questions
Autumn is the ideal season for picking mushrooms as lots of different sorts are appearing during this time. However, it can be done all year round, preferably on a sunny day, 2-3 days after rainfall.
Forests are the best place to find a variety of mushrooms. Make sure to check local regulations and request permission from the owner if necessary.
Take a guide with information on the different types of mushrooms to avoid picking toxic or inedible ones. Wear waterproof shoes and warm clothing. Bring a wicker basket or paper bag to carry your mushrooms, and a knife to cut them.
Avoid mushrooms that look like the typical mushroom shape with a parasol cap on top of a stem and gills. Poisonous young amanitas can look like small puffballs. Other poisonous mushrooms include the false morel, little brown mushroom, and the death cap. Make sure the mushrooms are fleshy and not dried out or decaying.
