Emma Wilson
Mushroom foraging is a fun activity that has gained popularity in recent times, especially because it is a socially distant activity that can be done while enjoying nature. However, it is important to know how to pick mushrooms safely, as there are about 1.5 million different species of fungi, many of which are poisonous. The deathcap (Amanita phalloides), for example, causes liver failure and death within a few days, and there is no antidote. Therefore, it is crucial to only pick mushrooms that you can positively identify as edible. Beginners should focus on mushrooms that are easy to identify, such as chanterelles, and carry a mushroom guidebook that is specific to their geographical region. Other recommended safety measures include cutting the fleshy top off about an inch from the base to allow regeneration, cleaning the mushrooms with a paintbrush, and storing them in a basket to avoid moisture buildup.
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What You'll Learn
Identify mushrooms with a guide, not an app
Mushroom foraging is a fun activity that has gained popularity in recent times. However, it requires carefulness and common sense, as consuming the wrong mushroom can have fatal consequences. The safest way to start foraging mushrooms is to avoid the ones that look like typical mushrooms. Poisonous young amanitas, for instance, can resemble small puffball mushrooms. Other poisonous varieties include the deathcap, false morel, and little brown mushrooms.
To identify mushrooms correctly, it is recommended to use a mushroom guide book that is specific to your region. A broader overview of mushrooms is also helpful, especially if you plan to forage in different areas. Two books that are recommended by mushroom foragers are Mushrooms Demystified by David Arora and The Complete Mushroom Hunter: An Illustrated Guide to Finding, Harvesting, and Enjoying Wild Mushrooms by Gary Lincoff.
It is important to note that even mushrooms considered safe to eat may need to be cooked thoroughly to destroy naturally occurring toxins. Therefore, wild mushrooms should never be consumed raw. Cooking also makes the mushrooms more easily digestible and allows their considerable nutritional value to be unleashed.
When picking mushrooms, it is advisable to take notes and pictures of their growing location. Details such as the type of tree they were found on, the time of year, and the location's environmental characteristics are all important for identification. Once you have collected your mushrooms, take time to study each species and determine its characteristics with the help of your field guide. Verify your findings with an experienced mushroom forager if possible, or consider joining a chapter of the North American Mycological Association (NAMA) for support and guidance.
Remember, the only safe criterion is correct identification. Do not consume any mushrooms unless you are 100% certain that they are edible and non-poisonous.
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Pick only mushrooms you can positively identify
Picking mushrooms can be a fun activity, but it is crucial to prioritise safety. One of the most important rules to follow is to only pick mushrooms that you can positively identify. Mushroom poisoning is a serious concern, and mistaking an edible mushroom for a poisonous one can have fatal consequences.
To positively identify a mushroom, it is advisable to invest in a reliable mushroom guide specific to your geographical region. Mushrooms Demystified by David Arora and Gary Lincoff's The Complete Mushroom Hunter: An Illustrated Guide to Finding, Harvesting, and Enjoying Wild Mushrooms are recommended resources. Additionally, online forums and communities, such as the North American Mycological Association (NAMA), can provide valuable knowledge and support for mushroom identification.
When foraging, take detailed notes and photographs of the mushrooms you find. Note the characteristics of the mushroom, including its colour, shape, size, and any unique features. Take pictures of the mushroom up close and, if it's growing at the base of a tree, capture images of the tree as well. If you know the species of the tree, make sure to record that information. These details will help you identify the mushroom accurately.
It is also essential to understand the key characteristics of poisonous mushrooms. For example, the notorious deathcap (Amanita phalloides), which is extremely toxic and can lead to liver failure, resembles the mushrooms often depicted in Alice in Wonderland, with a parasol cap, a stem, and gills. Young amanitas can look like small puffball mushrooms before their gills develop. Other poisonous varieties include the false morel, which is not hollow inside, and the little brown mushroom.
Remember, if you are ever unsure about the identity of a mushroom, it is best to leave it behind. Do not consume any mushrooms unless you are 100% certain that they are edible. Always prioritise safety and enjoy your mushroom foraging adventures responsibly.
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Avoid mushrooms that look like mushrooms
It is important to be able to identify mushrooms safely before consuming them. Even mushrooms that are considered safe to eat need to be cooked thoroughly to destroy any naturally occurring toxins. Therefore, wild mushrooms should never be consumed raw.
One way to ensure safety is to avoid mushrooms that look like the stereotypical idea of a mushroom. The most notorious poisonous mushroom, the death cap (Amanita phalloides), looks like a mushroom with a parasol cap on top of a stem and gills. There is no antidote for consuming this mushroom, and it will lead to liver failure and death within a few days. Poisonous young amanitas can look like small puffball mushrooms before their gills grow. Other mushroom look-alikes that should be avoided include the false morel (which is not hollow inside) and the little brown mushroom.
Amanita mushrooms can also be mistaken for edible mushrooms because they develop from 'Amanita eggs', little balls from which the mushroom eventually emerges. Cutting an Amanita egg in half should reveal the faint outline of the developing mushroom, but this can be hard to see if the egg is immature.
Some other examples of poisonous mushrooms that look like edible mushrooms include:
- The Fool's Mushroom, which has been mistaken for Honey Fungus, but differs in that it is an Amanita species and grows by itself, whereas Honey Fungus grows in honey-coloured to dark brown clusters.
- Chanterelles, which may look similar to the poisonous Jack O'Lantern Mushroom, but can be distinguished by their 'folds' rather than gills, and the uneven way in which the folds end at various points along the stem.
- Agarics, a family with both edible and toxic varieties that look very similar. If you bruise the cap of an Agaric and it stains chrome yellow, it is likely poisonous; if it stains pale yellow, pink or red, it is probably edible.
- Morels, which have irregular and wrinkled caps, can be poisonous.
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Cut an inch from the base to allow regeneration
When picking mushrooms, it is important to only pick those that you can positively identify as edible. Even edible mushrooms should be cooked before consumption, as some contain naturally occurring toxins that are destroyed by cooking.
When foraging mushrooms, it is recommended to cut the fleshy top off about an inch from the base. This practice allows the mushroom to regenerate. Cutting the mushroom at ground level ensures that the delicate mycelium below is not damaged. The mycelium is the main body of the fungus, persisting year-round, while the mushroom is merely its temporary reproductive structure.
Some people argue for twisting and pulling the mushroom from the mycelium, but this can bring a large clod of mycelium with it, especially for saprophytic fungi. Cutting the mushroom cleanly detaches it from the mycelium, minimising disturbance to the fungus. Leaving a stump behind can deprive you of more mushroom to eat and expose the fungus to potential diseases.
It is important to note that pulling or cutting mushrooms does not seem to significantly affect the number of mushrooms produced in the long term. Additionally, the broken stump left behind will not produce another mushroom like a plant stem might. Instead, it will rot away over time.
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Store in a basket to avoid moisture build-up
When foraging for mushrooms, it is important to store them in a breathable container, such as a basket, to avoid moisture build-up. Moisture build-up can encourage the proliferation of microorganisms, which can be harmful.
Baskets are a great way to store your mushrooms as they allow for air circulation and prevent condensation. They also help to keep the mushrooms dry and clean. When picking mushrooms, it is best to cut them about an inch from the base, allowing them to regenerate. Using a knife to extract the mushroom can sometimes damage the base, so it is helpful to carry a small trowel or hand weeder to get the whole mushroom out.
After picking, it is important to clean your mushrooms with a soft-bristled toothbrush or a paintbrush to remove any dirt or debris. The less dirt that goes into your mushroom basket, the less cleaning they will require later.
It is crucial to only pick mushrooms that you can positively identify as edible. Some mushrooms, such as the death cap (Amanita phalloides), are highly poisonous and can be deadly if consumed. If you are unsure about a mushroom's edibility, take pictures to share with others for identification.
Additionally, always cook your foraged mushrooms, as they may contain toxins that are destroyed by cooking. Properly identifying the mushrooms you have foraged and following safe handling and storage practices will ensure a safe and enjoyable mushroom foraging experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom foraging does not require much equipment. However, it is recommended to carry a knife to clean the stems of mushrooms, cut them to check for worms, and extract them from the ground. You may also want to bring a small trowel or hand weeder to extract the whole mushroom without damaging the base, and a paintbrush or soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the mushrooms before placing them in your basket.
Some good mushrooms for beginners include morels, chanterelles, and oyster mushrooms. Morels have an imposter called the False Morel, but you can distinguish between the two by cutting them in half—a true morel is hollow inside. Oyster mushrooms often grow in clumps on trees and can be identified by their gills, which reach from under the cap to the base.
It is crucial to correctly identify mushrooms before consuming them, as some varieties are poisonous and can cause severe health issues, including liver failure and death. Do not rely solely on apps for identification; invest in a comprehensive guidebook that covers your specific geographical region. Take pictures of the mushrooms you find, noting their characteristics and the type of tree they grow on if applicable. Compare these pictures with those in your guidebook to identify the mushrooms confidently.
The most notorious poisonous mushroom is the death cap (Amanita phalloides), which resembles the toadstools from Alice in Wonderland. There is no antidote for consuming this mushroom, and it can lead to liver failure and death within a few days. Other poisonous mushrooms include young amanitas, which can look like small puffball mushrooms before developing gills, false morels, and little brown mushrooms.
Always cook foraged mushrooms before consumption, as they may contain toxins that are destroyed by cooking. Additionally, cooking enhances their nutritional value and makes them easier to digest. Do not consume wild mushrooms raw. Store foraged mushrooms properly in breathable containers like baskets to prevent moisture buildup, which can encourage microorganism growth.
