Michael Davis
Mushroom foraging has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people wanting to learn how to identify and pick their own mushrooms. Australia is home to over 250,000 species of fungi, but only a tiny proportion of these have been deemed edible, so it's important to be able to identify mushrooms correctly to avoid poisoning. Melbourne has several spots where mushroom foraging is possible, including the Mornington Peninsula National Park, Wombat State Forest, Dandenongs, and Mount Macedon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom Types | Saffron Milkcaps, Slippery Jacks, Pines, Grey Ghosts, Weeping Boletes, Wood Blewits, Turkey Tails |
| Locations | Mornington Peninsula National Park, Deakin University, Wombat State Forest, Dandenongs, Mt Macedon, Bundoora/Reservoir, Shoreham Beach, Camberwell Junction, Richmond |
| Safety Considerations | Only pick mushrooms that are exactly what you expected to find in that location. Consider any mushroom you find as toxic until proven otherwise. Amanita phalloides (Death Cap) is responsible for 90% of mushroom-related deaths. Agaricus xanthodermus (Yellow Stainer) is also dangerous and resembles store-bought white mushrooms. |
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What You'll Learn
Saffron milky caps
When foraging for saffron milky caps, it is important to remember that they are only found near true pine trees, excluding native species like Norfolk pines, Bunya pines, or casuarinas. It is also important to be cautious when consuming wild mushrooms, as consuming the wrong mushroom can lead to death. Amanita phalloides, known commonly as the Death Cap, is responsible for a high proportion of mushroom-related deaths worldwide, including some in Australia. Therefore, it is advised to consider any mushroom you find as toxic until proven otherwise.
If you are new to foraging, it is recommended to seek the advice or mentorship of an experienced forager. There are also many communities that offer classes and courses on foraging, which can be a great way to learn how to identify saffron milky caps and other edible mushrooms safely.
In terms of cooking, there are many recipes that feature saffron milky caps, including frying, grilling, or sautéing them with various herbs, spices, and other ingredients. One classic recipe is to slice and fry the mushrooms in a pan with oil and garlic, and then serve them hot with a sprinkle of parsley.
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Slippery jacks
In Melbourne, Australia, slippery jacks can be found in Pinus radiata plantations in southeastern regions, particularly during autumn. Belanglo State Forest has attracted large numbers of foragers, including Polish families, in search of these mushrooms.
Foragers should exercise caution as only a small portion of Australia's 250,000 estimated mushroom species have been deemed safely edible. Slippery jacks themselves are edible, but must be cooked prior to consumption.
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Mornington Peninsula national park
Mushroom picking is a popular activity in Melbourne, with many enthusiasts sharing their experiences online. However, it is important to exercise caution when foraging for mushrooms, as Australia is home to over 250,000 species of fungi, with only around 5,000 described and a minute portion deemed safely edible. The Death Cap, for example, is responsible for 90% of mushroom-related deaths worldwide, and the Yellow Stainer has hospitalised many Australians each year. Therefore, it is advised to treat any mushroom as toxic unless proven otherwise.
Mornington Peninsula is a popular destination for mushroom picking in Melbourne. The mushrooms can be found in various locations on the peninsula, including Dromana, Merricks, and Red Hill. One blog recommends driving around the Red Hill Road area or any road lined with tall pines and keeping an eye out for Slippery Jacks and Saffron Milk Caps. These two varieties are easy to identify and hard to confuse with other mushrooms. Slippery Jacks have a classic mushroom-coloured head that is very slimy and often has dirt and needles stuck on top. They can grow in clumps or as singles and have a sponge-like underside. Saffron Milk Caps, also known as Pine Mushrooms or Red Pine Mushrooms, are often sold at greengrocers and farmers' markets, so you can familiarise yourself with their smell, feel, and taste before heading out to forage.
Another blog recounts a successful trip to Mornington Peninsula, where they found an abundance of Slippery Jacks and Saffron Milk Caps by following the above advice. They also warn of the poisonous Fairy Toadstool mushroom, which grows in the same conditions as the other two varieties and should be avoided.
When heading out to Mornington Peninsula National Park to forage for mushrooms, it is crucial to put safety first. Do not consume any mushrooms unless you are confident in your ability to identify them. It is recommended to join a foraging group, either online or in person, attend a foraging workshop, or go with someone who has experience in mushroom picking. Additionally, be mindful of the potential risks and treat any unfamiliar mushrooms with caution.
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Wombat State Forest
To prepare for mushroom picking in Wombat State Forest, it is essential to be able to identify mushrooms safely. Australia is home to over 250,000 species of fungi, but only around 5,000 have been described, and only a small portion of those have been assessed as safely edible. One resource to help with identification is the 'Fungi of the Wombat Forest and Macedon Ranges' guide, which includes colour photographs of 108 common local species and information about identification. This guide can be obtained by sending a cheque for $7 to Wombat Forestcare or by paying the same amount into their bank account and emailing to confirm.
In addition to the guide, it is recommended to familiarise yourself with the smell, feel, and taste of edible mushrooms. This can be done by purchasing mushrooms from greengrocers and farmers' markets, such as Saffron Milkcaps (also called Pine Mushrooms or Red Pine Mushrooms), Weeping Boletes, Slippery Jacks, Wood Blewits, and Turkey Tails. It is also a good idea to join a foraging group or attend a workshop to learn more about mushroom identification and foraging techniques.
When picking mushrooms in Wombat State Forest, it is important to be aware of the potential risks. Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the Death Cap, is responsible for 90% of mushroom-related deaths worldwide and has caused four deaths in Australia since 2002. Agaricus xanthodermus, or Yellow Stainer, is also dangerous and has led to many hospitalisations in Australia. Therefore, it is advised to consider any mushroom you find as toxic until proven otherwise beyond a doubt.
While mushroom picking in Wombat State Forest can be a fun and rewarding activity, it is essential to prioritise safety and approach any mushrooms with caution. By taking the time to learn about identification, joining foraging groups, and being aware of the potential dangers, you can minimise the risks and have a positive and enjoyable experience in nature.
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Mt Macedon area
Mushroom picking is a popular activity in the Mt Macedon area, located within a two-hour drive from Melbourne. The Mt Macedon region is known for its diverse range of fungi, thanks to the varying habitats that provide favourable conditions for their growth. The northern and western slopes feature dry, open woodlands, while the southern slopes and valleys boast thicker forests and cool, damp gullies, which are ideal for fungi growth.
The Macedon Ranges offer a magical experience for mushroom enthusiasts, with pathways around the Sanatorium Lake area being a highlight. Visitors can explore the fern gullies and damper forests of the southern slopes, discovering beautifully coloured fungi among the mosses and tree ferns. The Macedon Regional Park also provides ample opportunities for mushroom picking while enjoying the natural surroundings.
For those seeking a guided experience, Greg Boldiston, a wild mushroom expert and horticulturist, occasionally conducts Funghi Walking Tours on Mount Macedon. These tours provide valuable insights into the world of fungi and help identify edible mushrooms. Additionally, the Olive Jones of Macedon restaurant offers mushroom rambles led by local expert Richard Ford. These rambles include a briefing on mushroom varieties to avoid and a mushroom-picking excursion in the pine forests of the Macedon Ranges.
When planning a mushroom-picking trip to the Mt Macedon area, it is essential to prioritize safety. Many fungi in the region are toxic, and incorrect identification can lead to severe consequences. It is recommended to attend workshops or seek guidance from mushroom foragers to learn about edible varieties and their toxic look-alikes. Mushroom season in the region typically falls between late February and late May, making it the ideal time to explore and indulge in this unique activity.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom foraging spots near Melbourne include Mornington Peninsula National Park, Deakin University, Wombat State Forest, the Dandenongs, and the small pine forest above Shoreham Beach.
Saffron milky caps, slippery jacks, pines, and grey ghosts are some of the mushrooms that can be found near Melbourne. However, it is important to only pick mushrooms that you are certain are edible, as some varieties are toxic or even deadly.
It is recommended to attend a foraging workshop or join a foraging group to learn how to identify edible mushrooms. You can also buy or borrow a field guide, watch videos, or speak to grocers at farmers' markets.
