Michael Davis
Mushroom picking can be done almost all year round, depending on the type of mushroom and the location. For instance, Maitake mushrooms are available at the start of autumn, while oyster mushrooms can be found in the fall, spring, and even winter in subtropical and temperate forests like California and other parts of North America. Morels are usually found in the spring, while chanterelles are available from mid-July to September. In addition, some mushrooms have specific harvesting seasons, such as the shiitake and oyster mushrooms, which can be cultivated and harvested all year round.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom Season | Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter |
| Mushroom Type | Morels, Maitake, Oyster, Porcini, Chanterelle, Shiitake, Fairy Ring, Slippery Jack, Black Trumpet, Hedgehog, Honey Cap, Aborted Entoloma, etc. |
| Location | Subtropical and temperate forests like California and other parts of North America |
| Weather | Rainy, Frosty, Warm |
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What You'll Learn
Morels are found in spring, specifically April and May
Mushroom picking can be a year-round activity, but it depends on the type of mushroom and the location. The weather also plays a crucial role in mushroom foraging, as the seasons vary with Mother Nature.
Morels are generally brown in colour, with a characteristic conical, slender shape and alveoli covering them. Their flesh is beige and thick. They are one of the first mushrooms to be spotted in the foraging season of spring, specifically in April and May, thanks to the warmer weather.
Morels are often found in forests, and they are usually one of the first mushroom species to appear after a frost. They are also one of the few mushrooms that can be found in the spring, as most other species start growing in summer and autumn.
It is important to note that not all mushrooms can be picked and consumed. Some are even poisonous to the touch. Therefore, it is crucial to learn how to identify edible mushrooms from poisonous ones before going mushroom picking.
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Maitake mushrooms are found at the start of autumn
Mushroom picking can be a year-round activity, with different species growing in multiple locations at different times of the year. Morels, for example, are among the first pickable mushrooms of the spring foraging season. However, Maitake mushrooms are found at the start of autumn.
Maitake mushrooms, scientifically known as Grifola frondosa, are often referred to as "hen of the woods" due to their supposed similarity to the tail feathers of a dull-coloured laying chicken. Other nicknames include "sheep's head", "ram's head", or "king of mushrooms". Maitake, translated from Japanese, means "dancing mushroom", as people would dance with joy upon finding it. They are highly coveted, known for their delicious flavour, juicy bite, and firm texture. They are also extremely versatile and can be used in various cooking methods.
Maitake mushrooms are triggered into growth by the first cold nights of autumn and can withstand the first few frosts of winter. They can be found from late summer to late autumn, usually from August or September to November, and occasionally even into December. Their season tends to be longer in warmer years.
Maitake mushrooms are often found in forests, particularly older forests, at the base of oak trees, especially dead or dying ones. They can also occasionally be found at the base of elms or maples. They blend in very well with their surroundings, often having the same brownish-black colour as fallen autumn leaves, so they can be challenging to spot from a distance. To identify them, look for their overlapping lacy fronds and large size, weighing between 10 and 30 pounds.
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Oyster mushrooms can be found in fall, spring, and winter
Mushroom picking can be a year-round activity, but the season varies depending on the type of mushroom and location. Oyster mushrooms, or Pleurotus ostreatus, are one of the few mushrooms that can be found in the fall, spring, and even winter. They are also one of the easiest mushrooms to identify and grow, making them a popular choice for mushroom foragers and growers.
Oyster mushrooms are characterised by their fan or "oyster" shape, with a broad, fleshy cap and white gills. The colour of the cap can vary from light pink to pale brown or tan, and they usually have a short, off-centre stem. They are often found growing in groups or "bouquets" on dead or dying trees, particularly deciduous trees such as beech and aspen. They can also be found on fallen logs and stumps, as they feed on dead organic matter.
When foraging for oyster mushrooms, it is important to pay attention to the weather and the life cycle of the mushrooms. Oyster mushrooms grow incredibly quickly, so it is best to harvest them when they are young. Older mushrooms are better for spreading spores, and their taste and texture may be less desirable. Additionally, oyster mushrooms are often home to small black beetles, which can be used as a secondary identification point. While the beetles themselves are not harmful, if they have chewed up large parts of the mushroom, it may no longer be suitable for consumption.
Oyster mushrooms offer a range of culinary and health benefits. They are a delicious gourmet mushroom that can be added to almost any meal and are known for their versatility in dishes such as stir-fries and deep-fried crumb coatings. Furthermore, oyster mushrooms are one of the most widely cultivated mushrooms and are commercially grown, making them easily accessible in grocery stores. They also possess medicinal properties and have been used to absorb and clean up pollution and mitigate oil spills.
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Chanterelles are found in spring and summer
Chanterelles are among the most sought-after mushrooms in the world. They are easy to identify, growing on the ground singly or in scattered groups in oak woods and various conifer woods across the northern hemisphere. They can be found as early as mid-spring in some regions, but they are most commonly associated with summer mushroom hunting. Chanterelles have a distinctive appearance, with a wavy-edged cap that is yellow to yellow-orange, and forked gills that run down the stem. They are also known for their strong fruity, apricot-like odour.
Chanterelles are prized for their delicious taste and aromatic fragrance. They are often considered the best summer mushrooms, especially since the coveted morels of springtime are usually gone by summer. Chanterelles can be found in many parts of the United States, including Oregon, California, and the eastern United States, as well as in Canada and Scotland. They are also found in Georgia, where they grow in late spring/early summer.
Chanterelles are slow-growing mushrooms, persisting for an average of 44 days and producing spores for a month or two. They are often larger than other varieties of mushrooms, and their size can vary depending on the region. For example, chanterelles in California can grow to two or three times the size of those in the Rocky Mountains. Their slow growth and spore release mean that harvesting immature buttons is not ideal, as it may hinder the patch's ability to reach and colonise new locations.
Chanterelles are typically found in wet conditions, thriving in warm, wet summers. They are often found near streams or in alkaline soil with an acidic spring. Their resistance to decay gives them a longer persistence on the woodland floor. Chanterelles are also one of the few mushrooms that can be safely foraged by beginners due to their distinct appearance and aroma, though it is important to be aware of similar-looking poisonous varieties.
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The weather affects mushroom growth
Mushroom cultivation is a complex process that is influenced by several factors, including temperature, pH, light, humidity, carbon dioxide, moisture, and oxygen levels. Temperature is particularly critical, affecting the growth, development, and yield of mushrooms. Each stage of the mushroom life cycle, from spore germination to colonisation, primordia formation, and fruiting, has specific temperature requirements that must be met for successful cultivation.
The ideal temperature range for spore germination and mycelium growth is typically between 70°F and 85°F (21°C and 29°C). Maintaining a steady and warm environment during these early phases is crucial. Insulating the growing area and using thermostat-controlled heaters can help achieve this. However, it is important to monitor the temperature to prevent overheating, which can hinder growth or lead to contamination.
During the colonisation phase, when the mycelium establishes itself within the substrate, light levels play a significant role. Low or no light conditions can influence the direction and density of mycelium growth, favouring certain mushroom types that prefer the dark.
As the mushroom transitions from the mycelium stage to the fruiting body, a shift in conditions is necessary. Lowering the temperature during the fruiting stage is essential to encourage mushroom formation and optimal development. Cooling systems such as fans, air conditioners, or evaporative coolers can be utilised to create the ideal environment. Additionally, maintaining proper humidity levels and adequate air exchange are crucial to prevent carbon dioxide buildup, which can negatively impact yield.
While specific temperature requirements may vary depending on mushroom species, understanding the temperature needs of the cultivated variety and employing appropriate monitoring and regulation techniques are vital for successful mushroom growth.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom picking can be a year-round activity, depending on the type of mushroom and location.
Spring and summer are the best seasons to pick mushrooms in the US. Morels, for example, are one of the first pickable mushrooms to appear in spring (April and May).
Mushroom season in the Northern Hemisphere is usually from mid-July to September.
You can pick Maitake mushrooms at the start of autumn in forests in North America.
