Michael Davis
Mushroom harvesting seasons vary depending on the species, with some species growing in spring, summer, fall, or even winter. For example, the Chicken of the Woods species is found from late spring through fall, while the Hen of the Woods species typically fruits in late fall. In general, the majority of mushroom species grow in spring, summer, and fall, with some species growing in the middle of winter. The ideal harvesting time for each mushroom variety depends on signs of maturity, such as cap shape and gill development, and is often learned through experience. For instance, oyster mushrooms are typically harvested when the caps begin to uncurl and flatten, but before they become too flat and dry out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Season | Mushrooms can be found all year round, but the majority grow in spring, summer, and fall. |
| Specific Seasons | August, September, October, November, and December. |
| Specific Types | Chicken of the Woods, Hen of the Woods, Porcini, Chanterelle, Fairy Ring, Meadow, Giant Puffball, Oyster, Pink Oyster, Shiitake, Lion's Mane. |
| Ideal Harvest Time | When caps flatten or become convex, gills enlarge and drop spores. |
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What You'll Learn
- Mushrooms grow year-round, but most grow in spring, summer and autumn
- The ideal harvest time for each mushroom variety is different
- Oyster mushrooms: harvest when the cap is flat or slightly concave
- Shiitake mushrooms: harvest when the cap is flat and gills are white or speckled
- Wild mushrooms: foragers should be aware of poisonous fungi
Mushrooms grow year-round, but most grow in spring, summer and autumn
Elegant golden chanterelle mushrooms are harvested in late summer through to December in North America. They are typically found in coniferous forests populated with evergreen trees that are exposed to long winters. Similarly, the black trumpet mushroom shows itself in late summer and early autumn.
Fairy ring mushrooms are harvested in the summer and autumn and can grow year-round in warm climates. Meadow mushrooms are ripe for harvesting after a good rain in spring and summer.
The ideal time to harvest oyster mushrooms is not determined by size but by the shape of their caps. It is best to harvest them when the caps begin to uncurl and flatten but before they become too flat. The best time to harvest pink oyster mushrooms is when the cap is flat or slightly concave, and the edges are just beginning to curl up.
The ideal stage to harvest shiitake mushrooms is when the edges of the caps are still curled under, and 80% of the gills are exposed. However, they can be harvested at any time during their growth. Lion's mane mushrooms are generally ready to harvest four to seven days after pinning.
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The ideal harvest time for each mushroom variety is different
The ideal harvest time for mushrooms varies depending on the type of mushroom being grown, the growing conditions, and the climate. While some mushrooms are ready to harvest within months, others may take years before they are ready for their first harvest.
For instance, Shitake mushrooms are typically ready for harvest 6 to 12 months after inoculating the logs. The first harvest occurs a couple of days after the first signs of growth appear, and the mushrooms will continue to produce for 4 to 6 years or even longer with proper care. Oyster mushrooms are typically harvested 3 to 5 days after the first mushrooms begin to form. On the other hand, Lion's Mane and Comb Tooth mushrooms can take up to 2 years before they are ready for their first harvest.
The climate and growing conditions also play a crucial role in determining the ideal harvest time. For outdoor growers, the ideal time to plant mushrooms is during the spring or early summer to speed up the time from planting to harvest. In warmer climates, planting can be done throughout most of the year. However, in cooler climates with frosty winters, it is recommended to plant at least 4 weeks before the first frost.
Additionally, the size and appearance of the mushrooms can provide clues about their readiness for harvest. While size is not always an indicator, the general rule of thumb is to start harvesting when the caps turn from convex to concave. For magic mushrooms, the veil, located on the underside of the cap, is crucial for determining the ideal harvest time. Harvesting should occur just before the veil tears and turns black.
It is worth noting that foraging for mushrooms can occur throughout the year, as different species thrive in various conditions. However, certain times of the year, such as autumn, may offer a more abundant harvest due to seasonal changes and weather conditions.
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Oyster mushrooms: harvest when the cap is flat or slightly concave
Oyster mushrooms are one of the easiest varieties of mushrooms to grow and are delicious and healthy. They can be found in the wild or grown at home. In the wild, oyster mushrooms grow out of stumps or logs in oxygen-rich air. To replicate this process at home, you can cut a 5cm slit or hole in a bag once it is fully colonized, signalling to the mycelium that it is time to grow mushrooms.
The best time to harvest oyster mushrooms is when the cap is flat or slightly concave, and the edges are just beginning to curl up. The caps should still be slightly curled under when harvested, limiting the number of spores released. Oyster mushrooms can be hard to judge for first-time growers, but with practice, it becomes easier to determine when they are ready to harvest. If the mushrooms are left too long, they may pass the peak window for harvest, losing their ideal size, texture, flavour, and shelf life. However, they will still be edible, even if their quality diminishes.
To determine if your oyster mushrooms are ready for harvest, look for the following signs:
- The caps have begun to uncurl and flatten, but before they become too flat.
- The edges of the caps are slightly curled under, indicating that the mushrooms are mature but have not yet released too many spores.
- The mushrooms have stopped growing in size, started drying out, or released a lot of fine, white dust-like spores. At this stage, the mushrooms should be harvested immediately, even if they are past their prime.
Harvesting oyster mushrooms can be done by twisting them off with your hands or cutting the cluster off with a knife. After harvesting, you can cook the mushrooms or follow the steps for fruiting to encourage further growth.
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Shiitake mushrooms: harvest when the cap is flat and gills are white or speckled
While mushrooms can be found all year round, there are certain times of the year when specific mushrooms are more prevalent. For example, in the Northern Hemisphere, the season for wild mushroom hunting is generally autumn, with October being the prime month. However, the recent trend of warmer autumns and milder winters has shifted this season to November and even December.
Shiitake mushrooms, in particular, require careful monitoring to ensure they are harvested at the right time. They should be picked when the cap is opened approximately 50–75%, with the gills still rolled under the cap. The ideal time to harvest is when the cap is flat and the gills are white or speckled. If the cap has flattened out, the mushroom is slightly overripe, but still edible. Overgrown shiitake mushrooms are typically grilled with melted cheese and garlic, but they are less valuable than fresher mushrooms.
To harvest shiitake mushrooms, grasp the lower portion of the stem and pull the mushroom from the log with a slight twisting motion. Alternatively, they can be cut as close as possible to the log surface with a sharp knife or scissors. It is important to only touch the stems during picking, as bruises on the caps and gills will discolor rapidly.
After harvesting, shiitake mushrooms should be immediately cooled and kept at around 36°F (about 2°C) to prolong their shelf life, which is typically no more than 10 days for fresh mushrooms. Drying is a great option to preserve them for longer; the process can be as simple as laying them out in the sun or using a dehydrator.
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Wild mushrooms: foragers should be aware of poisonous fungi
Mushroom foraging is an increasingly popular activity, but it is important to be aware of the dangers posed by poisonous fungi. While some mushrooms are easy to identify, others have dangerous lookalikes. For example, the Death Cap is reportedly very tasty, but deadly poisonous. Even a small amount of the wrong mushroom can cause severe illness. In the US, there are around 6000 mushroom ingestions reported annually, with over half of these cases involving children under six.
Mushroom poisoning can range from mild gastrointestinal upset to devastating consequences such as liver and kidney failure, and even death. The vast majority of mushroom-related deaths are caused by species in the genus Amanita. Other toxic mushrooms include the Jack O'Lantern, which causes severe gastrointestinal distress, and the Alcohol Ink Cap, which causes headaches, extreme nausea, and other unpleasant symptoms when consumed with alcohol. Even days after consuming alcohol, the toxic component coprine may cause these symptoms.
To avoid poisoning, foragers must be able to identify mushrooms with absolute certainty. This takes skill and practice, and it is recommended that foragers invest in a good identification book. While some mushrooms, like the Giant Puffball, are considered safe for beginners, others, like the Chanterelle, are not as beginner-friendly as they may seem. It is also important to remember that different species can look very similar, so attention to detail is critical. For example, the Birch Bolete is edible and very tasty, but it should be treated as poisonous if it turns blue when cut, which is a rule that applies to most Boletes.
Foraging for mushrooms is possible all year round, but certain times of the year are more prevalent. In the UK, mushroom hunting is typically best in autumn, especially October, when the weather is cooler and wetter. However, recent trends of warmer, drier autumns and milder winters have shifted the season, with November now considered the best month for mushroom foraging.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no fixed start or end to mushroom harvesting season, as different species of mushrooms grow all year round. However, the majority of mushrooms grow in spring, summer, and fall/autumn.
Some mushrooms that grow in the fall include Chicken of the Woods, Hen of the Woods, Porcini, Black Trumpet, and Elegant Golden Chanterelle.
Some mushrooms that grow in the summer include Fairy Ring Mushrooms, Meadow Mushrooms, and Elegant Golden Chanterelle.
Some mushrooms that grow in the spring include Meadow Mushrooms and Elegant Golden Chanterelle.
The ideal time to harvest mushrooms varies depending on the mushroom variety. For example, the best time to harvest pink oyster mushrooms is when the cap is flat or slightly concave, while shiitake mushrooms are best harvested when the edges of the caps are still curled under and 80% of the gills are exposed.
