John Miller
Foraging for mushrooms is an increasingly popular hobby, but it's important to know how to do it properly and safely. While some mushrooms are abundant, others are endangered due to factors such as habitat loss, pollution, and soil disturbance. To forage for mushrooms sustainably, it's important to leave some behind, avoid trampling the forest floor, and refrain from littering. In addition, it's crucial to be able to identify edible mushrooms to avoid poisoning yourself. Joining a mycological society, consulting field guides, and seeking advice from expert mycologists can help you learn how to identify and pick mushrooms safely.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Avoid mushrooms that resemble "mushrooms", such as young amanitas, false morels, and little brown mushrooms. |
| Mushroom Identification | Consult field guides, mycological societies, and expert mycologists for accurate identification. Ignore rules of thumb and online misinformation. |
| Picking Technique | Two methods: cutting at the base or twisting and pulling. Cutting minimizes disturbance, while pulling may be preferable for mycorrhizal fungi. |
| Sustainability | Avoid over-picking, trampling, and littering. Leave some mushrooms for others and to ensure spore dispersal. Respect the environment and the larger organism from which mushrooms come. |
| Storage | Store in a closed paper bag in the refrigerator for up to a week. |
| Preparation | Clean mushrooms with a small blade and brush before cooking. Cooking is essential to kill potential harmful bacteria. |
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What You'll Learn
Identifying edible mushrooms
There are some mushrooms that are easier to identify than others. Chanterelles, for instance, are distinctively different from other mushrooms, making them safe to gather even for beginners. Chicken of the woods and giant puffballs are also easy to identify. In addition, oyster mushrooms can be found growing out of trees, fallen logs, and stumps.
It is important to remember that there are very few people with the expertise to identify edible mushrooms in their area, and even fewer who can do so in an unfamiliar setting. Therefore, if you are not 100% sure about the mushroom, it is best to leave it alone. Joining a mycological society is a great way to learn about mushroom picking from experienced foragers. These societies often organize forays to local parks, where you can learn about the different types of mushrooms and how to identify them. Additionally, purchasing a field guide specific to your region can be a helpful resource when identifying mushrooms.
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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 fruit bodies from their base, to avoid damaging the delicate mycelium below. Others argue that twisting and pulling the mushroom from the mycelium is better, as it prevents the remaining stump from rotting and infecting the mycelium.
Those who prefer cutting argue that it prevents the risk of damaging the cake, which could prevent future growth. However, those who prefer pulling point out that if you leave the stump behind, there is no chance of new growth from that area. Additionally, pulling can result in a cleaner mushroom, as it reduces the amount of dirt or wood bits that end up in your basket.
Proponents of pulling also highlight the results of studies showing that yields in plots where mushrooms were pulled increased over time, while plots where mushrooms were cut showed a decrease in yields. However, other long-term studies, including a 35-year study from Germany, have found that it makes little to no difference in terms of the fungus's ability to produce mushrooms in the future. These studies suggest that factors such as weather, environment, and heavy harvesting have a greater impact on mushroom growth than the method of picking.
When it comes to specific types of mushrooms, some foragers recommend cutting bigger mushrooms, like chanterelles, at the base to allow for continued growth of smaller mushrooms. Additionally, certain mushrooms, like chanterelles, detach cleanly from their mycelium, making them easier to pull without causing damage. Ultimately, the decision between cutting and pulling may depend on the type of mushroom and the forager's personal preference, as long as care is taken to minimize damage to the mycelium and surrounding environment.
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Avoiding damage to the mycelium
Picking mushrooms can be a fun hobby, but it's important to do it sustainably and safely. The primary principle of sustainable mushroom hunting is to avoid damaging or killing native plant species. While the actual gathering of mushrooms is completely sustainable, trampling native plants, compacting the earth, and causing erosion can harm the local ecosystem.
To avoid damaging the mycelium when picking mushrooms, it is recommended to cut the mushrooms with a sharp knife as close to the ground as possible, leaving about two inches of the mushroom stem intact. This helps to prevent damage to the delicate mycelium below. Cutting the mushrooms also leaves an exposed nub that may continue to receive energy, potentially reducing the size of other mushrooms still growing.
Another school of thought asserts that it is better to twist and pull the mushroom from the mycelium. This method is argued to stop the residual stump left by cutting from rotting and infecting the mycelium. However, this argument has been deemed "ridiculous" by some, as all fungi will eventually rot away. Additionally, pulling may signal to the organism that a mushroom is gone, prompting it to divert energy to fruiting more mushrooms.
Regardless of the method chosen, it is crucial to be gentle and careful during the picking process to minimise any potential harm to the mycelium. It is also important to follow other sustainable practices, such as leaving some mushrooms behind, using a porous container to allow spore dispersal, and being mindful of the local environment.
Finally, it is essential to properly identify mushrooms before picking and consuming them, as several deadly or seriously toxic mushroom species resemble edible varieties. Joining a local mycological society or seeking guidance from expert mycologists can provide valuable knowledge and reduce the risk of accidental poisoning.
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Safety precautions
Mushroom foraging is a fun hobby, but it can be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. It is important to remember that many mushrooms are inedible, and some are highly toxic and can even cause death. Therefore, it is crucial to follow certain guidelines to avoid confusion with toxic species. Here are some safety precautions to keep in mind when picking mushrooms:
- Join a mycological society or club: One of the best ways to learn about safe mushroom picking is to join a local mycological society or club. These organizations often host forays and lectures where you can learn from experienced mushroom pickers and mycologists.
- Consult field guides and experts: Always refer to specialized field guides or seek advice from expert mycologists when identifying mushrooms. Many toxic mushrooms look similar to edible ones, so correct identification is essential. If you have any doubts, it is better to leave the mushroom alone.
- Avoid suspicious-looking mushrooms: If a mushroom has any suspicious characteristics or grows in a polluted area, do not pick it. Mushrooms can absorb harmful substances, such as heavy metals and chemicals, from the soil.
- Be aware of look-alikes: Many edible mushroom species have toxic look-alikes. Learn to identify these look-alikes and do not rely solely on photographs or drawings for identification.
- Check for allergies: Before consuming a new mushroom species, be aware of any potential allergies. Also, avoid consuming certain mushrooms with alcohol, as it may cause uncomfortable symptoms.
- Proper storage: Store picked mushrooms in breathable containers like baskets to prevent the growth of microorganisms.
- Cook mushrooms: Always cook foraged mushrooms before consumption, as eating them raw can lead to foodborne illnesses.
- Leave some behind: When picking mushrooms, it is important to leave a portion of the mushroom intact to allow it to regrow. This ensures the sustainability of mushroom patches.
- Picking technique: There are different techniques for picking mushrooms, such as cutting or twisting and pulling. The cutting method is generally preferred for easily identified species to minimize disturbance to the mycelium.
Remember, when in doubt, throw it out! It is always better to be safe than sorry when dealing with wild mushrooms.
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Sustainable practices
Learn Before You Pick
Firstly, it is important to learn about the mushrooms you are seeking. Purchase a field guide to mycology, including a general book on mycology and a field guide specific to your region. Learn about both poisonous and difficult-to-identify species to avoid picking the wrong mushrooms. Familiarize yourself with native and invasive plant species, as mushrooms often have symbiotic relationships with certain plants. This knowledge will help you locate specific mushrooms and avoid harming endangered species.
Pick Some, Leave Some
When you do go out picking, it is essential to leave some mushrooms behind. This allows the remaining mushrooms to release their spores, ensuring future mushroom growth. Pick mature mushrooms that have already released most of their spores, and leave the younger ones to complete their lifecycle. This practice also ensures that there are mushrooms left for other pickers.
Tread Lightly and Carry Lightly
Be mindful of your surroundings and try not to trample the little mushrooms and potential mushroom spots. Additionally, carry lightweight baskets instead of heavy containers to hold your harvest. This reduces the impact on the forest floor and makes it easier to carry your harvest.
Cutting vs. Picking
There is ongoing debate about whether it is better to cut mushrooms at the stem or pluck the entire mushroom. Some believe that cutting preserves the delicate mycelium, while others argue that plucking is more natural and won't harm the mycelium. Long-term studies have shown that both methods have minimal impact on fungal production and the health of patches. However, for easily identified species, cutting may be preferable as it minimizes disturbance to the surrounding area.
Avoid Overharvesting
While mushrooms are abundant and overharvesting is not a significant concern, it is still important to be mindful. Some mushroom varieties are considered endangered due to loss of habitat, pollution, and environmental changes. Respect protected lands and avoid picking in prohibited areas. Additionally, be mindful of the type of mushroom and its specific needs. For example, leave small mushrooms with a cap diameter of less than 2 cm, and ensure larger mushrooms have a cap diameter of at least 4 cm.
Container Choice Matters
Use a loose-weave basket or mesh bag to collect your mushrooms. These containers allow spores to fall through and reproduce. Avoid using bags that can smash the mushrooms, and be sure to carry your harvest in a way that minimizes damage.
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Frequently asked questions
There are no easy shortcuts to identifying mushrooms. Ignore rules of thumb like "if an animal has nibbled it, it's fine to eat". Poisonous young amanitas, for example, can look like small puffballs before their gills grow. If you're a beginner, consider getting advice from expert mycologists by joining a local mycological society.
There are two schools of thought: cutting or twisting and pulling. Cutting minimises disturbance but can damage the delicate mycelium below. Twisting and pulling can stop the stump left by cutting from rotting and infecting the mycelium. However, some studies suggest that in the long term, it makes very little difference to the fungus.
Don't overpick. Leave some mushrooms behind for other pickers and to allow spores to disperse. Also, be mindful of your surroundings and avoid trampling the forest floor, which can reduce fruit body numbers. Be careful not to damage trees and only pick in permitted areas. Finally, picking is essential when trying to learn about a new mushroom.
