Laura Smith
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that grows in cooler and wetter seasons. In New Zealand, mushroom season typically occurs during autumn and winter. During this time, various species of mushrooms can be found in different parts of the country, including the famous purple pouch fungus (Cortinarius sp.) and the velvet potato fungus (Gallacea scleroderma). These mushrooms can be found in places such as Lake Rotoiti, where the climate and environment provide ideal conditions for their growth. While mushroom foraging can be a fun activity, it is essential to exercise caution as some wild mushrooms can be poisonous. It is always recommended to seek expert guidance before consuming any foraged mushrooms.
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What You'll Learn
Mushroom foraging safety
Mushroom foraging is a fun activity that can be done almost anywhere, including New Zealand. However, it is important to keep in mind some safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some detailed instructions for mushroom foraging safety:
Know the Mushroom Species
Before going out to forage, it is crucial to educate yourself about the different mushroom species in your area. Learn to identify the edible mushrooms from the poisonous ones. There are many resources available, such as field guides, online resources, and expert advice, to help you accurately identify mushrooms. Remember, there are no simple guidelines; each wild mushroom must be identified with 100% confidence before consumption.
Choose the Right Foraging Spot
Mushrooms can absorb chemicals from their environment, so it is important to choose a clean foraging spot away from busy roads, dump sites, and ornamental trees. Look for mushrooms in forests, lawns, and fields. Ensure that you have permission to forage in the area and are aware of any local regulations.
Bring the Right Tools
When heading out to forage, bring the right tools to make your experience safer and more enjoyable. A wicker basket or mesh bag is ideal for collecting mushrooms as it allows the spores to disperse. A knife, trowel, and brush are also handy for harvesting. Don't forget to bring a notebook and smartphone for taking notes and pictures, as well as a map and compass to navigate your way. Other useful items include bug spray, sunscreen, water, and snacks.
Practice Safe Consumption
When consuming foraged mushrooms, always start with a small amount to ensure they agree with your body. Wait 24 hours before consuming more of the same species or trying a new one. Avoid consuming mushrooms with alcohol, as it can enhance allergic reactions. Never consume raw mushrooms, as cooking improves digestibility and eliminates some harmful substances. However, cooking does not make poisonous mushrooms edible, so proper identification is crucial.
Seek Expert Guidance
If you're a beginner, consider finding an experienced forager or mycologist who can teach you the ropes and show you examples in real life. Foraging with an expert can help you learn the intricacies of mushroom identification and improve your skills over time.
Remember, mushroom foraging requires patience and common sense. Always prioritize safety and follow the forager's adage: "When in doubt, throw it out!".
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Best locations for mushroom foraging
Mushroom foraging is a fun and rewarding activity, but it requires time, patience, and knowledge. It is crucial to be 100% certain of the identification of a mushroom before consuming it, as some mushrooms are toxic and can cause serious health issues or even death. Here are some of the best locations for mushroom foraging in New Zealand:
West Coast of the South Island
The West Coast of the South Island is home to stunning native bush and unique endemic New Zealand species of fungi. You can find a variety of colourful mushrooms, including the werewere kōkako, the blue species featured on the NZ$50 note. The lush and verdant environment, coupled with rainfall, creates the perfect conditions for an abundance of fungi.
Lake Waikaremoana, North Island
Lake Waikaremoana in the North Island offers an impressive display of fungi, with bright purple coral mushrooms being a common sight along the walking trails. The area's natural beauty and diverse mushroom species make it an ideal location for foraging enthusiasts.
Canterbury
Canterbury provides a unique opportunity to forage for both introduced and native species. You can find porcini and birch bolete, as well as native species like tawaka. The region offers a diverse range of mushrooms for those interested in foraging.
Urban Centres
Urban areas, such as Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, are ideal for mushroom foraging, especially for mutualistic fungi. Older, more established trees in these areas provide a conducive environment for fungi growth. Birch boletes, for example, can be commonly found in most urban centres.
Private Gardens and Public Spaces
Mushrooms can also be found in private gardens and public spaces, including parks, nature strips, and forests. Keep an eye out for mushrooms in your own backyard or nearby green spaces. Remember to always ask for permission before foraging on private property.
When foraging for mushrooms, it is important to be prepared and informed. Equip yourself with a good identification guide, such as "A Field Guide to New Zealand Fungi" by Shirley Kerr, and join mushroom-focused groups on Facebook, such as "Mushroom Hunting New Zealand," for additional expertise and community support.
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Types of mushrooms
Mushrooms are the most familiar type of fungi, but not all fungi produce mushrooms. There are about 14,000 mushroom-producing species out of the estimated 5 million species of fungi. The part of the fungus that we see above ground is its reproductive structure, called the 'fruiting body'. This usually contains millions of spores, which are transported by wind, water, or animal activity to new locations, where they form new networks and produce more fruiting bodies.
New Zealand has a fascinating mix of native, endemic, and introduced fungi. The country's unique ecology, being an island nation with a landmass cut off from the continent for about 100 million years, has resulted in an interesting agriculture dynamic. Fungi spores have made their way to New Zealand over the years, with some proliferating and others not surviving. Nowadays, bio-security is very tight, and extra precaution is taken at the border to prevent the introduction of new fungal spores.
There are a handful of mushroom strains that have been approved for growth in New Zealand, both on a home-garden and commercial level. Button, oyster, and shiitake mushrooms are the most common. Commercially grown strains have been bred for consistent fruit body growth, desired temperature ranges, and higher yields.
Oyster mushrooms, in particular, are very popular and can be grown using a variety of substrates and relatively low-tech methods. They are nutrient-dense and offer strong health and medicinal benefits. Grey oyster mushrooms have a great flavour and a lower spore load than most oyster varieties, making them a top choice for growers. They grow well indoors and outdoors from spring to early winter.
Pink oyster mushrooms, on the other hand, are not native to New Zealand but originate from Indonesia. They prefer warm growing conditions and are commonly grown during the summer. They have a milder flavour and a tougher texture than phoenix oyster mushrooms. Their bright pink colour fades to orange when cooked.
Another variant of oyster mushrooms native to New Zealand is the velvet oyster mushroom, which has a slightly rough, velvet-like texture on its cap. It is also related to the pink oyster mushroom but is closer to a white to grey colour, sometimes with a faint pink blush when young. Like the pink oyster, it has a milder flavour and tougher texture than phoenix oysters.
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How to identify mushrooms
In New Zealand, mushrooms tend to grow in cooler and wetter seasons, such as autumn and early winter. Mushroom foraging is a popular activity, but it is important to be cautious as many mushrooms are poisonous. There is no easy way to determine if a wild mushroom is edible, and consuming the wrong variety can lead to poisoning and even death.
If you plan on identifying mushrooms, it is recommended to have a good field guide book or use online resources. Here are some tips on how to identify mushrooms:
- Take clear photographs of the topside and underside of the mushroom, capturing any unique characteristics such as gills, cap, and stipe from multiple angles.
- Note the type of forest or environment in which the mushroom is growing, including the type of plants and trees nearby.
- Upload your photos to online citizen science platforms like iNaturalist, where experts can help identify the species and contribute to scientific research.
- Facebook groups dedicated to mushroom identification, such as Mushroom Hunting NZ, can also provide assistance and suggestions.
- Consult reference books like "A Field Guide to New Zealand Fungi," "Forest Fungi Photo Guides," and "Mushrooms and Other Fungi of New Zealand."
- Only attempt to identify mushrooms that are in good condition and have a range of fruit bodies from immature to mature. Old, rotten, or dried-out mushrooms may be challenging to identify accurately.
- Avoid consuming wild mushrooms unless you are absolutely certain of their edibility. Even then, it is recommended to exercise caution and not eat or cook all of the mushrooms you find.
Remember, mushroom identification can be challenging, and it is always better to be safe than sorry. If you are ever in doubt, seek expert advice or refrain from consuming the mushrooms altogether.
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Mushroom seasonality
Mushrooms generally grow in cooler and wetter seasons. In New Zealand, this is typically during autumn and winter. A popular place for mushroom hunting in New Zealand is Lake Rotoiti, where you can find purple mushrooms like Cortinarius sp. (Purple Pouch Fungus) and Gallacea scleroderma (Velvet Potato Fungus). The latter is a truffle-like fungus that grows underground in partnership with native beech trees. Its spores have been found in fossilized moa droppings, revealing that these giant, now-extinct birds once feasted on the colourful fungi. Another truffle-like fungus that can be found at Lake Rotoiti is the white-to-blue turning Rossbeevera pachydermis.
It is important to note that not all wild mushrooms are safe to consume. Some are highly poisonous and can cause severe symptoms, and even death. It is advised that people refrain from foraging for and consuming wild mushrooms unless they are with an expert. If you or someone you know develops any symptoms from eating a wild mushroom, immediately contact the Poisons Information Centre for advice. This is a 24-hour national phone service that will direct you to the nearest poisons information centre. Even if there are no symptoms, it is important to call before symptoms develop as they can take many hours to present. In a medical emergency, call the emergency services.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom season in New Zealand varies depending on the region and type of mushroom. Generally, mushrooms thrive in cooler and wetter seasons, such as autumn and early winter. Some mushrooms, like the Cortinarius sp. (Purple Pouch Fungus) and Gallacea scleroderma (Velvet Potato Fungus), are found in abundance during winter around Lake Rotoiti.
Lake Rotoiti is a popular destination for mushroom foraging, offering a variety of species, including the purple Cortinarius sp. and the truffle-like Gallacea scleroderma. The Honeydew Track, a short loop walk by the Kerr Bay campsite, is particularly known for its diverse mushroom species.
Yes, it is crucial to prioritize safety when foraging for mushrooms. Mushroom poisoning is a serious concern, and there have been increasing cases of exposures to wild mushrooms in New Zealand. It is challenging to determine if a wild mushroom is edible or poisonous, so it is recommended to avoid consuming wild mushrooms. If you experience any symptoms after consuming a wild mushroom, immediately contact the Poisons Information Centre for advice.
