Laura Smith
Mushroom foraging is a popular pastime, but it's important to know how to pluck mushrooms sustainably and safely. There are two main schools of thought on the best way to harvest mushrooms: plucking or cutting. Some argue that plucking can signal to the organism that a mushroom is gone, allowing it to divert energy to producing more mushrooms. Others prefer cutting, which results in a higher yield and avoids disturbing the mycelium underground. To identify edible mushrooms, you can look at their shape, texture, size, and colour, as well as smell them. It's important to avoid damaging native plant species and to follow local guidelines and weight limits on mushroom harvesting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom harvesting techniques | Picking, Cutting, Plucking |
| Best technique | No significant difference between cutting and plucking |
| Reasons for cutting | Higher yield, does not disturb root system |
| Reasons for plucking | Signals to the organism that a mushroom is gone, helps in identification |
| Mushroom characteristics to identify | Smell, shape, texture, size, colour |
| Mushroom picking safety | Avoid young mushrooms, carry in baskets, join mycological society, purchase field guide |
| Environmental impact | Over-harvesting, damage to fungi populations, trampling |
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What You'll Learn
Cutting vs. plucking
There are two schools of thought on the best way to harvest mushrooms: cutting or plucking. One method involves cutting off the fruit bodies at the point where they join the ground or whatever they are growing from, while the other method involves twisting and pulling the mushroom from the mycelium.
Those who prefer cutting argue that it results in a higher yield and does not disturb the root system or the delicate mycelium below. Cutting is particularly useful when picking easily identified species, as it minimises disturbance. It is also useful when identifying certain species that rely on minute identification features at and just below ground level, in which case it may be necessary to uproot the entire specimen.
On the other hand, proponents of plucking argue that cutting can leave a stump that acts as a disease vector when it rots. Plucking or pulling the mushroom from the mycelium can also help to broadcast its spores over a wider area. Practical experience shows that some types of mushrooms, like chanterelles, almost always detach cleanly when pulled from their mycelial web.
While there is ongoing debate about which method is preferable, several studies have shown that there is little difference in yields of mushrooms harvested by cutting or pulling. A 27-year study found no difference in the abundance of fruiting bodies or species richness between harvested and non-harvested sites, regardless of the harvesting technique used. Another 35-year study from Germany came to a similar conclusion, finding that it did not matter whether mushrooms were cut or pulled or whether the soil was compacted by walking on it.
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Identifying safe mushrooms
Firstly, it is important to note that there are very few mushrooms without a poisonous counterpart. Therefore, it is crucial to only consume mushrooms that you can identify with absolute certainty. Chanterelles, Chicken of the Woods, and giant puffballs are some of the easier mushrooms to identify. Additionally, oyster mushrooms, which can be commonly found in grocery stores, are also easy to identify due to their distinctive shape and colour.
The colour of a mushroom's gills can also indicate its safety. White gills often signify a poisonous mushroom, so if you see a mushroom with white gills and are unsure of the variety, it is best to avoid it. Red mushrooms should also be approached with caution, as many of them are poisonous. Most edible mushrooms will have a pleasant earthy aroma, while poisonous varieties tend to have an acrid, chemical, or fishy odour.
Another way to identify safe mushrooms is by examining their texture. Edible mushrooms typically have a firm or fleshy texture, while poisonous ones tend to be slimy or slippery. It is also important to check for any signs of bruising or discolouration, as this could indicate that the mushroom is not safe to eat.
When foraging for mushrooms, it is recommended to stick to open spaces with plenty of sunlight and avoid areas with dense vegetation or standing water, as these can be breeding grounds for dangerous fungi. Mushrooms that grow on trees or wood are often safe to eat, as long as they do not exhibit any other signs of being poisonous. However, it is important to note that this is not always the case, and some toxic varieties, like the Funeral Bell, grow on trees.
If you are ever unsure about the safety of a mushroom, it is always best to consult an expert, such as a mycologist or a local naturalist, or refer to a mushroom field guide.
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Legal restrictions
The legal status of unauthorised actions with psilocybin mushrooms varies worldwide. Psilocybin and psilocin are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. While psilocybin mushrooms are not regulated by UN treaties, many countries have some level of regulation or prohibition. For example, the US Psychotropic Substances Act, the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
In the United States, mushroom picking is generally only allowed on private lands with permission from the landowners. Some public lands also permit mushroom picking, but many strictly prohibit it. For example, it is illegal to pick mushrooms in US National Parks, although small amounts for personal and immediate consumption may be allowed. The specific regulations vary from state to state and from park to park. Generally, state parks are more mushroom-foraging friendly than national parks. Some mushroom-friendly state park systems include those of Ohio, Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington, South Carolina, and Illinois. California State Parks, on the other hand, largely prohibits mushroom foraging.
US National Forests offer a large area of land where mushroom picking is permitted. However, each national forest has distinct laws regulating the practice. Some allow you to pick up to five gallons with no strings attached, while others require you to obtain a permit, which is often free or low-cost for personal use. Commercial permits tend to be more expensive.
In addition to location-based restrictions, there are also species-based regulations. Certain specialty mushrooms, such as truffles and matsutake, may have additional regulations regarding their harvest.
In terms of psilocybin mushrooms, or "magic mushrooms," federal law and most states classify psilocybin as a Schedule I drug, making it illegal to possess, sell, or grow. However, there are exceptions and ongoing changes to these laws. Colorado and Oregon have legalized certain uses, and some cities have deprioritized arrest and prosecution for personal possession of psilocybin. Furthermore, there is a pending bill in the California State Legislature that would legalize the possession, obtaining, giving away, or transportation of specified quantities of psilocybin. In Canada, the province of Alberta has allowed the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes in drug-assisted psychotherapy.
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Forest fungi ecosystem functions
Plucking mushrooms from the forest can be done in two ways: cutting them off at the base or twisting and pulling them out. The former is argued to be better as it does not disturb the root system, while the latter can bring a large clod of mycelium with it. However, pulling is becoming more popular as it provides a higher yield. To ensure the ecosystem remains balanced, it is important to only pluck mature mushrooms and to use baskets to help spread their spores.
Fungi are an important part of forest ecosystems, with a diverse range of functions. They are both micro and macroorganisms, and their unique traits allow them to mediate links between different organisms and ecosystems. They can act as important pathogens, commensals, and mutualists, influencing the activity and functions of other organisms. They are a key part of the nutrient cycle, breaking down organic matter and releasing elements like nitrogen and phosphorus, which are essential for the growth of other organisms.
Fungi also help maintain a sustainable ecosystem for the animals and plants that share their habitat. They directly interact with other organisms in beneficial ways, such as by forming a mycorrhizal relationship with plant roots, which is essential for the productivity of farmland. Without fungi, 80-90% of trees and grasses would not survive. They also help break down dead trees, which is vital to the regeneration and health of forested ecosystems.
Additionally, fungi can interact with other organisms in damaging ways. For example, some fungi can parasitize living trees and cause their eventual death. Other fungi can act as insecticides, such as the one that infects the emerald ash borer, an insect that attacks ash trees.
Fungi also have other ecological roles. Lichens, for example, are used to monitor air quality as they are extremely sensitive to air pollution. They are also a food source for some animals, such as caribou and reindeer, and provide cover for small invertebrates. In the past, lichens were used to dye wool for textiles.
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How to harvest sustainably
When foraging for mushrooms, it's important to keep in mind sustainable practices to ensure the preservation of the local ecosystem and the safety of the mushrooms. Here are some guidelines on how to harvest mushrooms sustainably:
Learn Proper Identification Techniques
Before you start picking mushrooms, it's crucial to be able to identify both edible and poisonous mushroom species. Familiarize yourself with the dangerous mushrooms in your region by consulting field guides or books on mycology. Joining a mycological society or group is a great way to learn from experienced mushroom pickers and gain access to identification courses.
Choose the Right Harvesting Method
There has been a long-standing debate among mushroom enthusiasts about whether it's better to cut or pluck mushrooms. Recent research, including a 35-year study in Germany and a 27-year study in Switzerland, has shown that both methods have minimal impact on future yields or species richness. However, some species, such as chanterelles, detach more cleanly when pulled, while others, like saprophytic fungi, may bring a large clump of mycelium with them when pulled. Cutting may be preferred when you are confident in your identification and want to minimize cleaning later. Plucking can be useful when you need to examine basal features for identification.
Practice Ethical Foraging
When foraging for mushrooms, it's important to be considerate and only take what you need. Leave some mushrooms behind to allow for spore dispersal and future growth. Focus on harvesting mature mushrooms and try to leave the smallest 50% of a patch. Always try to identify mushrooms without picking them, and avoid uprooting inedible ones. Be mindful of the local ecosystem and avoid trampling native plants or compacting the earth. Use a small blade and a brush to remove debris from the mushrooms before placing them in a basket or porous cloth bag.
Respect the Foraging Site
Always leave the foraging site as undisturbed as possible. If you pluck a mushroom, gently cover the small hole left behind with surrounding leaves or soil to protect the exposed mycelial threads. Similarly, if you cut the mushroom, cover the stump with its natural surroundings to allow it to break down naturally. Avoid littering and remove any invasive plant species you may come across.
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Frequently asked questions
There are known characteristics you can look for to ensure you're picking a safe mushroom, but there may still be risks involved, especially if you plan to eat them. Consider getting advice from expert mycologists or joining a mycological society.
There are two schools of thought on this. One is to cut the fruit bodies where they join the ground so as not to damage the mycelium below. The other is to twist and pull the mushroom from the mycelium. Some argue that cutting can leave a stump that acts as a disease vector when it rots, while others say that pulling can disturb the mycelium.
Yes, several countries have introduced legal restrictions on harvesting mushrooms. Switzerland, for example, has weight limits on harvests.
Carry them with the gills down, in an open-weave basket. This will help broadcast its spores over a wider area.
